Breaking down what a successful offseason could look like for Steelers

Although the Steelers season is over much sooner than fans would have hoped, there is still plenty for us to worry about. Admittedly the offseason is one of my favorite time periods in the NFL cycle. I get to play pretend general manager. Discussions of free agents, the draft, and potential trades. It’s the “create your own adventure” of the NFL year. 

This year the Steelers have a lot in front of them in what is one the most important off seasons in some time. We are a long way from any major moves getting made right now, with the playoffs still underway, and what the Steelers need to do is going to evolve. So, I thought I’d create an article series that would evolve in kind. 

For now, I will not address any coaching changes until firings and HC hirings start to take shape. However, I do think Teryl Austin might be on the hot seat and a new offensive line coach is much needed in Pittsburgh, I think the Steelers are in a holding pattern in this area and so am I . 

This is what I would do if I woke up as the Steelers general manager, today. I’ll start with what Steelers free agents I would resign, or not, potential cap casualties, and then what I see as team needs and how I would address them either in the draft, free agency, or potential trades.

The Steelers main need is dynamic playmakers, especially on offense. “Dynamic” should be written in all caps on every draft board in the Steelers building. Every choice highlighted below is made based on that system of beliefs. 

Steelers not Under Contract in 2025

There is a pretty exhaustive list of free agents that the Steelers have, and they all fall into tree buckets: “resign”, “for the right price” and “let go” 

The players that I would resign without question would be Jaylen Warren and Elandon Roberts. Warren provided spark out of the back fields and seemingly turns a loss into a first down every time he touches the ball. Robert’s is a physical and fast linebacker who has become a great depth player with Peyton Wilson blossoming. Justin Fields also falls into this category, but I will go into more detail when I address team needs. 

Players I’d bring back for the right price include Mike Williams and Donte Jackson. Williams had moments with the Steelers and I’d be curious to see what he looks like with a full season, but the fact that he simply couldn’t get on the field for the WR needy Steelers is concerning. Jackson, despite having a rough final game stretch, did play well for the Steelers and created big turnovers and showed a willingness to tackle prior to his back injury. One that could fall into this category or the previous would be Ben Skowronek. He doesn’t exactly add anything dynamic to the offense but he is a decent possession receiver that made some good catches for the team but is an excellent special teamer who is worth bringing back. 

Players that I wouldn’t sign are the ones that clearly lack the dynamic quality the Steelers need to be looking for. Najee is the first of these players. He has been average during his time and while he has had 1k yard seasons that is mainly due to the fact that he is a volume back. There is more potential but he simply lacks an ability to create big plays. Dan Moore Jr I would also let walk. Personally, I give Broderick Jones a chance at left tackle considering that is his natural position and Moore Jr was a revolving door this year. I doubt I need to mention Russell Wilson. 

Van Jefferson, Pruitt and Scotty Miller fall under this category. Again the list is exhaustive but if you think of them and big plays don’t enter your thoughts, probably safe to say I wouldn’t resign them. Cam Sutton is a good example. A disappointing second stint here and was probably the reason for some underhanded comments from the defense. 

Potential Cap Casualties 

The Steelers aren’t exactly in cap hell but they do have room for growth there. There are a few players I would cut without hesitation. Larry Ogunjobi with a decreased production would be a 7 million dollar cap hit. I think this is a position that gets replaced via the draft or a cheaper and younger free agent. Next would be Preston Smith. Again another aging player who the Steelers acquired at the deadline who didn’t bring much to the defense. He is owed $13.4 Million which the Steelers could use elsewhere. Again for a depth edge rusher younger and cheaper is the way to go. Cordarrelle Paterson, who saw his snap count continually dwindle, would save the Steelers just under $3 million. Another obvious cut. 

Some have been calling for Minkah to be cut as his splash plays have gone down the past few seasons. I don’t think he gets cut out right, but personally, I think trading him should be in play. He could garner a fourth or maybe even a third for the right buyer. Should they move on from him, he would be a $15.5 million savings. 

Lastly, one that I think some people are going to dislike is that I would take calls on Alex Highsmith. The Steelers 

Are adept at drafting and developing pass rushers and I think Highsmith could get as high as a 2nd round pick. He has the skills to be a stand alone pass rusher. He is an $18.6 million cap hit so if they aren’t able to restructure the deal the way they did with TJ and Cam I think exploring moving him would be warranted. 

The Steelers have been the highest paid defense for a few years now and that formula has not been working. I believe it might be worth taking a step back defensively and putting money on the side of the ball that wins you games in the NFL. 

Positional Needs 

In my eyes the most pressing needs that needs to be addressed ASAP needs in order are as follows: QB, WR, CB, and RB. Some could argue OT but I would say that giving Broderick Jones a chance at left tackle, his natural position, given Fautanu can stay healthy, would be a good start for pittsburgh. 

Quarterback

The Steelers have been struggling with the quarterback seasons for a few seasons now since Big Ben retired. Some would say they should find another piece, or two or three, at Wide Receiver, but to me it really does not matter if there isn’t at least a capable QB at the helm. This would be my plan for the QB position. 

Free Agency

• The Steelers have already brought in Skylar Thompson, and despite Steelers fans mocking the signing fresh off a playoff loss he is very obviously going to take over the role Kyle Allen played this season.

• Justin Fields is the obvious re-signing here for the Steelers. I would sign him to a two year deal that is incentive laden for things like overall performance, record and then playoff success ETC. Tomlin made it clear in his press conference that Fields made the appropriate steps to become the starter this season and I would agree. He is young, has a big arm, and has the mobility required of the modern QB. He made some crucial plays with his legs that the offense desperately missed when they switched to Wilson.

• The Steelers typically go into training camp with 4 quarterbacks and I think a veteran presence to help Justin Fields would be beneficial. Especially one that has a similar playstyle should Fields get hurt. Jacoby Brissett or Marcus Marriott would be my top choices here. Not someone that can challenge to be the starter but can help Fields continue to grow. 

• I would absolutely avoid anyone like Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousin, Aaron Rodgers etc. After the Russell Wilson experience I see no appeal in an aging veteran. The Steelers need to take a chance on a young QB with a high ceiling. Kirk Cousins is one of the most overpaid and over valued quarterbacks in history and is treading towards 38. Sam Darnold came back to earth the last two games he played in and I don’t see him being a beneficial signing. Anyone else isn’t worth the money or roster spot. 

The Draft

• I don’t think there is a QB at 21 that will make a huge difference but one player that I could see working with the Steelers in the second round would be Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. Dart is a decent size at 6’2” and 225 pounds which is what I would look for in a QB. He also comes from a spread offense under Lane Kiffin and he loves to throw the deep ball. He has been inconsistent with his accuracy which should make him a day 2 pick for the Steelers. He is also a mobile QB and a capable runner and was not afraid to put his head down at times. Tomlin and the Steelers seemed to have indicated a desire to take a QB in this draft.

• Two other names to watch for would be Will Howard or Dillion Gabriel or even Brady Cook from Missouri. Quinn Ewers is also there but I have not been impressed with him in the games I have watched.

Potential Trade

• A name that has been coming up lately after his performance in the season finale is Joe MIlton. He is another mobile QB with a really big arm that has a high ceiling. He was a rookie this year and is most likely stuck on the Patriots roster with Drake Maye taking the helm. This is probably very unlikely as this would be out of character for the Steelers, but if I had the keys I would call New England and gauge their ability for us to secure Milton so we could have multiple young quarterbacks on our roster.

Overall, all I think the Steelers need to take the risk with a young QB and take a “sink or swim" ’approach. Either a young QB proves to the the answer or they can bottom out and have a top 5 pick in a 2026 class with Arch Mannjng.

Wide Receiver

• This is a position the Steelers failed to address in the previous offseason and tried to fix at the deadline with Mike Williams but did not. There was a lot left to be desired from the WR core. The injury to Roman Wilson was deflating and he is still an unknown but I still have hope. 

Free Agency

• The only marquee name in this offseason is Tee Higgins and I struggle to see how the Steelers could sign him. He is going to demand WR1 money, and I don’t see Pittsburgh making a competitive offer. My guess is he lands in Washington or New England. In my opinion a productive veteran presence would be good to help George Pickens. I would say Chris Godwin would be at the top of my list despite him coming off an injury. As we get down the list I would say someone like Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Robert Woods, or Darius Slayton would be good additions as well. Stefon Diggs is available, but I fear he would clash with George PIckens and most likely will resign with Houston. Tyler Boyd is also a name to watch from a rebuilding Titans team but Godwin would be my #1 going into free agency.

The Draft

• Should a name like Luther Burden or Emeka Ebuka be available at 21 the Steelers have no choice but to take him. But quite honestly they will probably be gone by the time the Steelers pick. The only other WRs worth a first-round pick would be Isaih Bond, Matthew Golden, or Tre Harris.

• Should the Steelers wait until rounds 2 or 3 there could be value to be found there in a long jump ball WR like Savion Williams from TCU or a speedy Tez Johnson from Oregon. The Steelers do need help at WR and a rookie could do that but they don’t HAVE to do that in the first round unless a top tier prospect is lying in wait.

Potential Trade 

• Tyreek Hill made a lot of noise at the end of the regular season saying he was “gone” from the Dolphins but if I were the Steelers this is someone I would avoid. We already have our attitude problem in George Pickens and adding Hill would be like trying to put out a grease fire with water. 

• Davante Adams made some noise this week saying he would “100%” play for Mike Tomlin given the chance and I would at least make a phone call if I was Pittsburgh especially if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire, but I am not sure that the Jets are ready to move on from Adams. I think it would take a lot to get him in the Steel City but it is at the very least something to keep in mind, but overall unlikely.

• The most likely trade partner would be Jacksonville and the Steelers acquiring Christian Kirk. They were willing to part ways with him at the deadline and he is a free agent at the end of next season. I think this is a doable trade and would add a good piece for the Steelers. 

Cornerback

• As previously stated Donte Jackson will probably be a Steeler next year and that's fine, but the Steelers need more depth. Corey Trice Jr did struggle in his first full season but I think he will grow. It is also important to remember Ryan Watts, the rookie from Texas did not play at all last year, so it remains to be seen what he can create. Yet, there are some other options to try and address this position. 

Free Agency

• Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, DJ Reed, Byron Murphy and Rasul Douglas are all fine options when it comes to adding a free-agent CB that still has tread on the tires. Ward would be the top of my wishlist but one of these guys would be a Steeler if I was in control.

The Draft

• The 21st pick, as you have probably figured out by reading this far, could be used for a number of positions. The two corners that have a chance to be available by the time we pick include Benjamin Morrison or Jahdae Brown. If either of these guys are there you take them. Oaring one of these young talents with JPJ would be a dream. I would assume whether or not Donte Jackson is re-signed will tell the story of what the Steelers plan to do at 21. But either of these guys are great options at the pick if they are still there. 

Don't see any potential trade. I know Jaire Alexander made some comments about leaving Green Bay but I am filing that under the “believe it when I see it” heading. The Steelers do love trading for corners but I don’t don’t see one worth the capital.

Running Back:

• I am a firm advocate of letting Najee go and making Jaylen Warren a bigger part of our offense. From there, we need a playmaker in the backfield. 

Free Agency

• A.J. Dillion, Jevante Williams, J.K. Dobbins, or Aaron Jones would be decent options to bring in under the right price but I am not a firm believer in giving running backs a lot of money simply because their shelf life is so short. The only RB additions I see would be in the Draft. 

The Draft

• Tre’vyon Henderson would be an absolute dream pick coming from Ohio State. He falls perfectly under the dynamic and playmaking category I talked about. The guy has a lot of talent and speed. I think he would be great to pair with Warren.

• This isn’t a position I would spend the first to pick on but there are a few backs in later rounds that would be interesting additions. Devin Neal out of Kansas was a crucial part of that team's success over the last tew season and is a physical back who would fit in Pittsburgh.

• Cam Skateboo just feels like a Steeler the way he plays football. Again would be fun to pair with Warren. Not much to say, the kid loves to compete and has no issues running through someone's face. Feels like he would be a good fit.

• There are several other options in the draft and this is a position the steelers could take in the 3rd and 7th because of the potential turnover that is going to happen in that backfield with all three of the backs being free agents.

I have no idea who the Steelers would trade for, and I doubt they are interested. If they aren’t Derrick Henry, Gibbs, or Saquon they aren’t worth a phone call. 

This is the total sum of what I would do this offseason where the Steelers stand right now. I will include potential coaching changes once things take shape. Arthur Smith is in head coaching interviews, and I would imagine there is a world where he takes a new job. Austin might also not be with the Steelers next season. When it comes to the draft, I think WR or Corner is where the steelers should invest the 21st pick barring something unconventional takes place like Mason Graham the DT from Michigan takes a tumble on draft night. As the draft progresses past the third round I think the Steelers could look at other defensive tackles, corners, safeties and offensive tackles, maybe even an edge rusher should someone like Highsmith get moved. Don’t be surprised to see the Steelers double up on positions like WR, CB, or RB.

The next evolution of this article will come after the Super Bowl. Stay tuned!