The Steelers need to accomplish plenty of things this offseason. Another quick exit from the playoffs should have their organization looking for massive change once again. They don't know who their quarterback will be, what changes they will make to the coaching staff, or what kind of result they will have from the draft. Plenty of decisions need to be made over the coming months.
They currently have around $52 million in cap space, but the Steelers have a handful of options that are obvious cap casualties before free agency starts. They should have plenty of money to spend this offseason with different cap maneuvers. They will be active in free agency again and could target some possible cap casualties from around the NFL looking for a new job.
Possible cap casualties Steelers could target:
Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets (9.5M post-June 1)
It seems like Justin Fields has a stronger chance to return with the Steelers than Russell Wilson at the moment. Deciding on the quarterback for the team in 2025 might be the biggest decision looming in Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers is someone that has been floated around town for a couple of years now. He is either retiring or leaving the Jets this offseason. He could be a dark horse option.
Javon Hargrave, DT, San Francisco 49ers (2.9M released post-June 1)
Everything is pointing towards Larry Ogunjobi getting released by the Steelers. Javon Hargrave could always return to Pittsburgh after being away from the club since 2019. He has made plenty of money since departing the organization and is looking to rebound after an injury-riddled season. The 49ers will try to bring Hargrave back but a reunion with his former team might be his best outcome.
Jake Matthews, OT, Atlanta Falcons (9.2M)
With Dan Moore Jr. likely leaving the team this offseason, the Steelers will go into next year with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu as their starting tackles. In an ideal world, the Steelers would be able to find a starting caliber player for cheap to push either Jones or Fautanu in training camp. Jake Mattews makes the list here because he has a past Falcons connection with Arthur Smith.
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (10.7M)
Rumor had it that Pittsburgh had plenty of trade interest in Christian Kirk leading up to the trade deadline this past season. Sadly, Kirk suffered a season-ending injury before a trade could be finalized and the Steelers never got close to finding a receiver upgrade. Kirk makes a lot of money and should be a cap casualty by the Jaguars, which could make him a top choice at a cheaper rate.
READ MORE: 5 Steelers players who won't be back next year
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets (30M)
Just like Rodgers, Davante Adams will be departing the Jets organization after being there for a couple of months. Rodgers was thrilled to have his top weapon join New York, but the team continued to lose. If Rodgers would join the Steelers then you better believe Adams will try and follow him. Even if Rodgers doesn't end up in Pittsburgh, they have shown prior trade interest in Adams before.
Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers (7.3M)
It has been a couple of years now that Jaire Alexander has popped up in trade rumors. He hasn't been moved since those have shown up, but he might be ready to move on. His recent stretch of injuries has seemed to allow Green Bay to forget the quality cornerback he is. With Donte Jackson scheduled to hit free agency, the Steelers could find an upgrade with Alexander potentially hitting the market.
Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers (5.3M)
If Smith sticks around, then the offense needs to make some changes, and that should mean letting Najee Harris walk away in free agency. They will need to find a running back or two in free agency or the draft to fill that void. Miles Sanders signed a massive contract with the Carolina Panthers but it hasn't worked out. The Pittsburgh-based product also got pre-draft interest from the Steelers.
Cooper Kupp, WR, LA Rams (7.5M)
There were plenty of rumors surrounding the Steelers and potential receiver options before the trade deadline. Cooper Kupp was one of the names thrown out there, but the Rams weren't willing to sell. It paid off because they made some noise in the playoffs. Kupp is injury-prone, but he is one of the best receivers in football when healthy. If he gets cut, then Pittsburgh would be wise to take a look.
Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens (12.4M)
Baltimore had a rough start to their season, but they turned things around in a hurry after making some defensive adjustments. Marlon Humphrey played a big role in their turnaround after jumping into the slot. Pittsburgh needs help at slot cornerback, and Humphrey is close friends with Patrick Queen. If the Ravens cut Humphrey, then a natural landing spot could be with the Steelers.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks (17M)
No matter if Wilson is brought back or not, Tyler Lockett should be in consideration if the Seahawks cut him. They have some cap issues of their own, and moving on from the veteran receiver would save them plenty of money. Seattle also has a loaded receiving room full of young talent. Pittsburgh would be wise to add Lockett as a productive receiver who could provide leadership to the group.