A week of free agency is now in the books, and boy do some NFL teams like to spend money. The Steelers weren’t the most active on the market to kick off the offseason, but they did make a handful of additions this week, most of which have been met with a good reception from the fan base.
Pittsburgh’s been busy on both sides of the ball. They’ve added to the offensive line, as well as the receiver and running back rooms, while bringing in help in the defensive backfield and the trenches. With the busy first week of the new year wrapped up, let’s take a closer look at each offseason addition the Steelers have made.
For clarity, these only include outside additions. Players that were re-signed, like Asante Samuel Jr. for example, aren’t included.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. / (Acquired from Colts for sixth-round pick swap) Three Years, $68 million ($46 million guaranteed)
This move makes a ton of sense, and it was the first outside addition of the Steelers’ offseason. The Steelers want Rodgers back, and Pittman is a receiver that he’d work very well with. Pittman is physical, runs great routes, puts his body on the line, is willing to block, and will get open in the two seconds Rodgers is going to hold onto the ball. He’d also be a good mentor for any receiver the Steelers draft.
Grade: A
CB Jamel Dean / Three Years, $36.75 million ($12 million guaranteed)
I really like this signing. Dean, alongside Joey Porter Jr., gives Pittsburgh a very formidable cornerback duo, possibly one of the best in the league. Dean is physical in man coverage and has the necessary length, but he’s very quick as well. Despite being in the NFL for seven years, Dean might have put together his best in 2025. The only thing that keeps me from giving this an A is his age, as he’ll turn 30 next season.
Grade: B+
RB Rico Dowdle / Two Years, $12.25 million
I was one who wanted Kenneth Gainwell back in the fold, but I see the vision with Rico Dowdle. He took off under Mike McCarthy in Dallas in 2024, and had nearly the exact same production with Carolina in 2025. He’s a physical runner who’s averaged 4.6 yards per carry each of the last two years, and should be a good complement next to Jaylen Warren.
Grade: B
S Jaquan Brisker / One Year, $5.5 million
There are a lot of reasons to be high on the Brisker signing, and it does make a lot of sense. In terms of depth in the defensive backfield, Brisker brings good value at this price. However, I just worry a little bit about the pass defense. Brisker allowed a 75-percent completion rate, five touchdowns, and a passer rating of 127.6 when targeted in 2025. Yet, he’s versatile, solid against the run, and plays with some real tenacity. On a one-year deal at this price, it’s hard to complain too much.
Grade: B
S Darnell Savage / One Year, $1.3 million
At this point in his career, Darnell Savage isn’t brining a ton of excitement. He still has some solid skills, and does have a good bit of athleticism to his game. But he doesn’t do well in space in general, whether he’s trying to tackle for defend the pass. It’s a decent depth move at this price. But the Steelers need to do more at safety.
Grade: C+
P Cameron Johnston / One Year, $1.3 million
The Steelers chose Corliss Waitman over Cameron Johnston last year, and Waitman never really proved himself to be the guy. Now it’s Johnston back in town. Johnson didn’t kick much at all last year, missing most of the year with an injury. The Steelers didn’t like him that much last offseason, then he barely kicked, and how he’s back. Hopefully he can find some of his prior form, but it’s been a while since Johnston has kicked consistently at the NFL level.
Grade: C
DL Sebastian Joseph-Day / Two Years, $11 million
There really isn’t much to be upset about with this move. Sebastian Joseph-Day is a solid depth signing, at a spot in which the Steelers needed it. He was solid last year, with two sacks, six TFLs, and 41 total tackles despite playing less than half the defensive snaps. He doesn’t miss many tackles, and understands how to play the run. Can’t complain about that.
Grade: B+
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