The first week of free agency was a wild one across the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t spend as much money as some of the other teams around the league. But they made a few key moves to start the offseason.
The Steelers added to their receiver and running back positions, the offensive and defensive line, as well as the secondary. They did lose a couple of key players, including last year’s team MVP Kenneth Gainwell. But for the most part, Pittsburgh addressed some positions it badly needed to. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue likes the moves they have made, but she’s still not sure about their ceiling for 2026.
“The Steelers had a nice free agency. They made moves that made sense, including trading for and signing Pittman Jr. to reinforce their identity of tough football played by large humans. CB Jamel Dean, S Jaquan Brisker and DL Sebastian Joseph-Day are very solid additions, each with both a high floor and ceiling,” Rodrigue wrote in an article posted Monday. “It’s just that whole quarterback thing, you know? And it’s a huge question, even if Aaron Rodgers returns.”
Jamel Dean could be one of the sneaky good signings of the offseason. He wasn’t that expensive compared to some other contracts handed out. And he now gives the Steelers a formidable cornerback duo along with Joey Porter Jr. Jaquan Brisker is another solid depth addition. And in the trenches, Sebastian Joseph-Day will be able to help stop the run. None of those contracts were expensive, and all add to places where Pittsburgh needed help.
The quarterback position is still unsolved, but at this point the Steelers’ plan is clear. They want Aaron Rodgers back. And if he doesn’t return, the Steelers will turn to Will Howard, draft a quarterback, or bring in another veteran.
Until the position is secured, it’s hard to project this team’s ceiling. But whoever throws the ball will have things easier because of Michael Pittman Jr., whom Rodrigue named the Steelers’ most interesting move.
“Pittman Jr. signed a three-year deal worth up to $59 million and immediately becomes the ideal volume target in this offense,” Rodrigue wrote.
Pittman does a lot of things Rodgers would like. He’s sure-handed, gets open quickly, and will put his body on the line to make a play. He’s very hard to guard in man coverage, so his presence will also take a little buden off DK Metcalf, who’s looking for a better year in 2026. The Steelers still need a third receiver. Preferably someone who can take the top off the defense. But at least the WR2 role seems secured.
It’s hard to argue with most of the moves the Steelers made to start the offseason. There were few splashes, but they did a good job to make sure they won’t into the draft without any massive needs. Until the draft, the heart of this offseason’s moves is starting to come to a close.
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