The start of free agency is always a crazy time in the NFL as players frantically search for new homes. They want to demand compensation for their worth on the open market, as some benefit more than others. Pittsburgh made a splash move by trading for D.K. Metcalf and signing him to a monster contract extension. There have been minor moves after that.
Although Pittsburgh has seen a handful of free agents come through the door, expect more additions before the draft in late April. The Steelers still have enough cap space to ink more free agents to new contracts. It should be a busy offseason for Omar Khan as he tries to direct a path out of mediocrity.
Some have benefited more than others from the activity of free agency.
Steelers biggest winners from free agency
Mason Rudolph, Quarterback
The complete determination of Mason Rudolph's future still depends on Aaron Rodgers.
At this point in free agency, Rudolph is scheduled to be the starting quarterback for the Steelers unless Rodgers signs as a free agent. In the meantime, Rudolph is preparing to take over the starting duties for Russell Wilson. They could always shock folks and take a quarterback in the first round of the upcoming draft, but it appears unlikely with the weak group of rookies at the position.
With the addition of Metcalf and George Pickens on the roster, the Steelers have one of the best receiver duos in the league. Rudolph or someone else chucking the ball downfield to one of those superstars should prove quality results. He was a great signing by Pittsburgh, as Rudolph can be a bridge guy, and it could pay off for this quarterback if Rodgers steers away.
Keeanu Benton, Defensive tackle
The offseason is a long process, but you can count on Keeanu Benton having a massive role. He has been stuck as the nose tackle for the Steelers since they took him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He hasn't gotten many opportunities to slide next to Cam Heyward as a defensive end, but that could change this season. The lack of options on the team could force him into that role.
It is no secret that Pittsburgh is eagerly scouting the defensive line positions going into the draft process. It's a deep group in the trenches, so expect the Steelers to possibly take one. If that is the case, they could still slide Benton over to defensive end and have whichever rookie they take start their career at nose tackle. Benton has little obstacles in front of him to expand his role.
READ MORE: 3 affordable defensive free agents Steelers would love to bring aboard
Pittsburgh's biggest losers of free agency
Roman Wilson, Wide receiver
Something seems off with Roman Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will be heading into his second season after they took him in the third round of last year's draft. Unfortunately, this receiver couldn't find time on the field during his rookie campaign due to injuries. With the addition of Metcalf and the retention of Pickens, it's hard to find a spot for him.
Don't count out Wilson just yet. He showed promise during the pre-draft process, and his fit within Arthur Smith's offense should be flawless. Expect Pittsburgh to hope he can rebound from an injury-riddled year and find his groove. Hopefully, he can play in the slot and provide some mismatches that Smith will take advantage of.
Cory Trice Jr., Cornerback
Not all is lost for Cory Trice yet, but things appear grim.
The Steelers signed Darius Slay during the early portion of free agency. They needed an established guy to play opposite of Joey Porter Jr. The addition comes after many thought Trice could have a chance to secure a starting spot on defense. Unless Slay falls off a cliff because of his advanced age, it is difficult to imagine a scenario where Trice gets a starting job unless injuries occur.
Trice has struggled with injuries during his two years in the NFL. It's why he fell to the seventh round, where Pittsburgh selected him during the 2023 NFL Draft. If he can find a way to stay healthy, he could find ways of finding snaps on defense this season. The Steelers attacked free agents at the cornerback position, so they can't be too high on Trice.