Free agency is almost upon us, and the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason with a facelift. A new coaching staff is in place, which should bring about a bunch of new faces to the team.
While I don’t think the Steelers will be big spenders, they certainly have enough cap space to add a few notable names. As veteran coaches typically do, there is also a good chance that these names have previous ties to the new coaches on the team.
From older Packers players to Cowboys players coming off their rookie deals, there are a slew of names that you can link to Mike McCarthy. As for Brian Angelichio and Patrick Graham, they could certainly lure a few names to join Pittsburgh.
In the past, I’ve linked former draft/Mike Tomlin crushes to the team for free agent targets. Unfortunately, I can’t do that this year with the new coaching staff and the rookie class on expiring deals being from Kevin Colbert’s last draft class. That said, when applicable, I’ll note when the Steelers previously had interest.
This isn’t a list of players that I am pounding the table for. Instead, this is a mix of notable names, depth players, and darts to throw at the wall that have links to this new Steelers staff.
20 pending free agents with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Sam Howell, QB
I loved Sam Howell when he was coming out of North Carolina. In a weak quarterback class, he had the best traits of the group, but poor decision-making caused him to fall. Pittsburgh certainly watched him, but they favored the top names in that class.
He flashed in his lone season as a starter with the Commanders, but his play wasn’t enough to keep him around long-term. He has since bounced around the league, including a cup of coffee with Angelichio and the Vikings this past offseason.
I’d love to see what Howell has to offer on a cheap deal. If Mason Rudolph is potentially out, he could come in to compete with Will Howard for backup reps or even a starter role, depending on what happens with Aaron Rodgers.
Rico Dowdle, RB
An easy connection, Rico Dowdle was signed by McCarthy as an undrafted free agent, and he worked his way into a backup role during his tenure at coach. During McCarthy’s last year, he finally broke out with a 1,000-yard season.
Unless the Steelers plan on moving on from Jaylen Warren, though, it feels like Dowdle is an expensive backup. If I had to guess, he would go to another team with a greater need at running back. If the price is right, he could create a potent one-two punch with Warren.
Simi Fehoko, WR
This would be Simi Fehoko’s second stint with the Steelers, as he was a member of the practice squad a few years ago. McCarthy drafted him, so a reunion could make sense. However, it would be a minimum deal to compete for a spot in camp.
Cedrick Wilson, WR
While McCarthy didn’t sign Cedrick Wilson as an undrafted free agent, he got the most out of him in 2021, which led to a healthy second contract in Miami. His career has since fizzled out.
He has ties to the Steelers, given the fact that his dad played here and the team had interest in him coming out of Boise State. Like Fehoko, he could be brought in to compete for a roster spot.
Jalen Tolbert, WR
A third-round pick for McCarthy, he didn’t pan out like some of the other day two receivers that McCarthy has invested in. His best season came in 2024 (McCarthy’s last season as head coach), but he never felt like a true top option.
Given his age and pedigree, he will likely have some passing interest from teams looking for a reclamation project. I don’t see that as a great fit for the Steelers, though.
Brandin Cooks, WR
It feels like Bradin Cooks has played for every NFL team at this point.
His stint in Dallas wasn’t long, but he was a viable third target who took some pressure off the starters. McCarthy even traded for him, showing that there was obvious interest there. If he were four years younger, I could see the logic here, as Cook’s style would pair well with what the team already has in DK Metcalf.
However, at his age, it feels like he would be another undesirable veteran retread that we suffered through last year. I don’t see the value in bringing him in.
Jalen Nailor, WR
This is a name that should have some circles around it, especially if the Steelers intend on taking a rookie receiver early in the draft. Jalen Nailor has been a great third option for the Vikings and can line up in the slot or outside.
He won’t put this team over the edge, but as a third or fourth option, he would be a clear upgrade that won’t break the bank. His connection with Angelichio will certainly help his case.
Noah Brown, WR
Another name I could see getting some traction if the goal is receiver early in the draft, Noah Brown lacks the top-end talent for a receiver, but is a big physical presence that is hard to deal with.
His best season came under McCarthy, so the ties are there. Adding him needs to be paired with something else to truly make this receiver room better, but the links are certainly there.
Christian Kirk, WR
I have a small cop out here, as no member of the Steelers coaching staff has strong ties with Christian Kirk. That said, Pittsburgh’s front office was reportedly very interested in acquiring Kirk at the trade deadline just a few seasons ago.
The fit makes a lot of sense. Kirk can be a dependable second or third option and play out of the slot. Add him and a top rookie receiver, and you should have a capable top three for whoever is playing quarterback.
Connor McGovern, IOL
Arguably the worst fit on this list, Connor McGovern has gone from mid-round pick to underrated center in recent years. He has experience all over the interior of the offensive line, and his background is as a guard before switching to center.
The issue becomes, are you going to pay him what he is worth and switch him back to guard after all of these years at center? It feels unlikely. However, the connection is there and is worth noting.
Neville Gallimore, DL
I’ve quietly circled Neville Gallimore as a potential fit for this team. The Steelers did their homework on him before he was drafted in 2020, and he was selected by McCarthy’s Cowboys.
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He never materialized into the pass-rushing nose tackle that many thought he could be, but he did just have a strong season with the Colts. A cheap contract to sure up the backend of the depth chart feels like a safe bet.
Elandon Roberts, LB
The Steelers can amend their mistake of signing Malik Harrison over Elandon Roberts this offseason. He remained his usual stout self in Las Vegas, and for a defense that needs run defense help, he would provide it.
Add in that he was a starter in Patrick Graham’s defense, and the stars seem to be aligning. It feels like a great fit for what this defense needs.
Damone Clark, LB
From an elder statesman at linebacker to a reclamation project, Damone Clark never found his footing in the NFL. A top college prospect, he had to have spinal fusion surgery after entering the league. He was given the chance to start his second season, but the results were middling.
For a cheap contract to see if he can offer anything, I’d say go for it. He can also play on special teams, so there is certainly value there.
C.J. Goodwin, CB
Does anyone remember when the Steelers initially signed C.J. Goodwin as an undrafted free agent? Little did we know, he would carve out a lengthy NFL career as a core special teams player.
Does he make sense for Pittsburgh? At his age, probably not. His connection to the team is worth noting, though, and it would be a fun story if he did return.
Darnay Holmes, CB
While Darnay Holmes never played for Mike McCarthy, they saw plenty of each other when Holmes was a starter for the Giants. He has since played the last two years under Graham with the Raiders.
Add in the Steelers' passing interest in Holmes before he was drafted (granted, that was a different regime), and there are a lot of connections. He could certainly be looked at for a veteran minimum contract.
Eric Stokes, CB
Another name to circle right now, Eric Stokes, makes a lot of sense as a free agent signing. He has the pedigree that the Steelers love, is coming off a career season with Graham as his coordinator, and will only be 27 this season.
For a team that needs a running mate next to Joey Porter, Stokes is as good an option as anyone else. I doubt he breaks the bank this year, and if he continues to ascend, you could have a talented tandem at cornerback.
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
If you listened to reports back in 2019, the Steelers were planning on drafting Rock Ya-Sin at pick 20 until they decided to trade up for Devin Bush instead. Neither option has since panned out.
Ya-Sin had a short stint with Graham in Las Vegas, but if some of the talking heads who loved Ya-Sin are still around, he could be worth a look on a veteran minimum deal.
Trevon Diggs, CB
Another cornerback I’ve circled as a target for this team, Trevon Diggs, was, at one point, viewed as a top cornerback in the league. Injuries and inconsistencies have marred that reputation, but he is still young enough to turn things around.
McCarthy was the one to draft him and pay him a monster contract just a few seasons ago. The two could reunite in Pittsburgh to see if Diggs can recapture some of the dynamic play he had earlier in his career.
Lonnie Johnson, DB
Another name that the Steelers had a lot of interest in coming out of Kentucky, who just played for Graham, Johnson would be a fine fit as depth for this team. He can play on special teams and step in as a starter in case of injury. For cheap depth, you could do worse.
Donovan Wilson, DB
If Jalen Ramsey is cut this offseason (a real possibility), Donovan Wilson would make a lot of sense for the Steelers. He has been an above-average starter for the Cowboys and can play either free or strong safety.
He is a little bit older, but McCarthy got the best out of him in Dallas. It feels like he needs a starting role or bust, but don’t be surprised if he gets some attention from the Steelers this year.