Payton Wilson continued to build on his reputation as a coverage specialist during the 2025 season, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers in solo tackles with 62 and totaling 109 combined tackles. Wilson also contributed significantly on special teams, finishing third on the team and 15th in the NFL with 18 special teams tackles.
A notable moment for Wilson came during a game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin. With just over three minutes left and the Steelers ahead by ten points, Wilson chased down Vikings receiver Jordan Addison after an 81-yard reception, making a tackle at the one-yard line. This play was recognized as the fastest linebacker time recorded by Next Gen Stats since its tracking began eight years ago. Cameron Heyward highlighted this effort, saying, “Watching Payton Wilson track down (Addison) was like watching teach tape of how the play isn’t over until it’s over.”
Patrick Queen served as the defensive playcaller for Pittsburgh, leading the team with 120 combined tackles and ranking second in solo tackles among inside linebackers with 56. He also led his position group in tackles-for-loss (8), quarterback hits (5), and passes defensed (4). Queen started all 17 games and wore the “green dot,” signifying his role as signal-caller on defense. Reflecting on his experience adjusting to this responsibility, Queen said, “I may have been more comfortable this year. Still a lot of getting used to… But I’m in Year 6. I just gotta go play football. I just gotta go be myself… make those plays, and make big plays. Just be me.”
Malik Harrison joined the Steelers from Baltimore before this season but missed time due to injury early on. He was activated ahead of a matchup against Indianapolis and helped contain Jonathan Taylor to just 45 yards rushing that game. Harrison set a career high with nine starts in 2025 and finished with 37 total tackles.
Rookie Carson Bruener made an impact primarily through special teams contributions after being selected in the seventh round of the draft. Bruener played all 17 games, registering 19 special teams tackles—second-most on the team—and earning recognition from the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team for his performance.
Cole Holcomb returned from a long-term knee injury to appear for Pittsburgh in 2025, recording 28 tackles over the season and playing extensively on special teams.
Holcomb is currently set to become a free agent this offseason.
