Mike Tomlin and the Steelers had an interesting start in 2025. Everyone knows that the team released several of its top names in quest of something greater. And that was really shocking. Notable names on this list included Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, Elandon Roberts, and many more. Clearly, these players did not have to wait long before making it into another team. Interestingly now is the time for the players to display their true colors. And boy! So far, the reactions by the released players on the Steelers have been very mixed.

Starting with Dan Moore Jr., he signed one of the largest contracts with the Titans. The team desperately needed a left tackle, and they weren’t going to let Moore leave just like that. The organization offered him a four-year, $82 million contract with $50 million in guaranteed money and $30 million set aside for the first year. And everyone knows that no one would refuse this type of contract. Talking about the 26-year-old, he reveals that money isn’t the only reason he’s there. Rather, he wants to prove himself in front of the world, particularly the team that trusts him.

Moore Jr. had an okayish time with the Steelers, allowing 31 sacks in four years. The majority of which, BTW, came in 2024 (12). This is exactly what the LT wants to work and improve with the Titans, “I feel like my expectations will always be higher than anyone else’s are for me. I feel like by meeting my expectations, I’ll exceed the team’s expectations. So, not only do I want to prove them right, I want to prove them damn right, where they’re thinking, ‘We got our guy. He didn’t just do what we needed him to do. He did that and more.’ That is the consensus I want in the organization.” 

The new Titan appears to be fired up, and there have been situations in which a tackle has struck back after a terrible season. Talk about Andrew Whitworth. He, too, went from being the reason for the Bengals‘ defeat to being the reason for the Rams‘ Super Bowl victory. Talk about Trent Brown, Ereck Flowers, and so many more. The former Steelers player can still climb the list of the fewest sacks allowed this season with Tennessee this season. And who knows he justifies the amount the team has given him.

But wait! There’s more. Dan Moore Jr. is not the only player who has spoken about his time with the Steelers. There is one more. And while the LT was motivated by his release, this player chose to roast the team.

Najee Harris believes the Steelers’ front office did not have strong planning

It is rather normal for one player to leave a team and then publicly criticize them. And Najee Harris decided to do the same. The former Steelers player is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers, and his first major statement was about how Pittsburgh’s front office cannot make a strategy. The squad’s offensive line lacked one of any key veterans in the offense who could perhaps lead the team. This was the reason Harris couldn’t do anything on the field.

The 27-year-old running back claimed that the most seasoned players on the club had two or three years of experience. He explained how just because of these things, the team’s offensive line was also a mess, “It was just a team where we lost Ben, we lost the O-line, we just didn’t know anything on offense really, we didn’t have any identity. We had a young guy coming in at QB. I was young. The team was young. I really didn’t have anybody to almost learn from on the offensive side. I think the veteran guy on that team was a two, three-year vet. And he’s still learning himself.”

Harris’ frustration with the Steelers’ offensive struggles was evident even before his departure. Following a playoff loss in January 2024, he called for internal changes, emphasizing the need for more discipline and commitment within the organization. He also expressed dissatisfaction during the 2023 season, reflecting his frustration with the team’s lackluster offensive performances.

Now, Harris has a fresh start with the Chargers, where he believes he’ll be in a better situation. Playing alongside Justin Herbert and behind a more stable offensive line, he’s optimistic that he can be more than just a volume back grinding out tough yards. If the Chargers’ offense clicks, this could be the best version of Harris we’ve seen yet.

These comments have undoubtedly tarnished the Steelers’ image. But, if Mike Tomlin plays his cards correctly this year, the team has a chance to recover from their current reputation. On the other side, Najee Harris will also be eager to improve his image in the Chargers this season. The team signed him to a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, including a $3.75 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed basic salary of $1.5 million. Only time will tell if Harris’ experience with the Steelers was the source of the problem or the team itself.