The first major domino of the Pittsburgh Steelers offseason has yet to drop, but with free agency just around the corner, we should soon have some clarity on the direction the team will take to fill holes on the roster. The PPG’s Ray Fittipaldo offered his thoughts on the positions the team would target early next week.
“I would expect them to spend some money in free agency,” Fittipaldo said Saturday on Sportsline with George Von Benko on WMBS Radio. “I think they have to go out and get a receiver, whether that’s via a trade or free agency. I think they have to do that.
“And I think you could also see them in the market for a defensive back and depending on what happens with Isaac Seumalo and Kenneth Gainwell, I think you also might see them be active at running back and offensive line as well.”
Wide receiver is a glaring need on the roster. Last season, depth at the position behind DK Metcalf was a question mark heading into the season and remained an issue down the stretch as Pittsburgh turned to veterans like Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in critical moments.
Big name receivers like Alec Pierce will set the market, but players like Romeo Doubs have been tabbed as potential names who would make sense for the Steelers without breaking the bank.
At cornerback, Pittsburgh has internal names to consider as James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. are set to hit the open market. If neither re-signs with the Steelers, it certainly makes sense to add externally.
The other looming question in the defensive backfield is what position Jalen Ramsey will settle into for 2026. After coming over from the Miami Dolphins in an offseason trade, Ramsey started at cornerback but was moved to safety mid-season. If Pittsburgh plans to keep Ramsey at safety and pair him with DeShon Elliott, that position becomes less pressing, but depth would remain an issue.
All eyes are on RB Kenneth Gainwell and his decision in free agency after his surprisingly productive 2025 season. The Steelers have expressed they want Gainwell to return but if he decides to test the open market, another team may be willing to offer more. If Gainwell departs, the free agent market figures to be a viable place to look for another running back to compliment Jaylen Warren.
If Isaac Seumalo exits, a starting guard may be in play for Pittsburgh in free agency. Seumalo has been a steady starter during his three seasons in Pittsburgh but injuries and age may be the deciding factor in Pittsburgh electing to let him walk. Spencer Anderson is an in-house candidate to be his replacement in the starting lineup, but the Steelers could want a more experienced starter.
The free agent negotiating period opens on Monday. Pittsburgh surely will be involved in one form or another. With a new coaching staff in place, it will be the first glimpse that we have of the true priorities for this team and whether they are willing to spend big to address their biggest needs.
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