With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready for the preseason. They are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide, but signs point to him eventually signing the dotted line. Rodgers might be the free agent most are paying attention to, but others left in free agency could get some attention from the Steelers following the draft.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan still has over $31 million in cap space... and he could let the spending commence.
Rodgers and a possible T.J. Watt extension could account for most of that. Pittsburgh signing their draft class will also take up some money. The leftover cash could be an enticing sum to bring some free agents onto the roster. Limited opportunities could sink the asking price for those players still waiting for a conclusion to free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could add these free agents to fill in the gaps from the 2025 draft class
Jordan Whitehead, Safety
Pittsburgh might've addressed the most pressing needs in free agency, but they failed to add to the safety position. They added Sebastian Castro as an undrafted free agent, and Juan Thornhill is a good depth piece. If the Steelers want to be proactive, they should sign Jordan Whitehead to their roster.
The veteran safety is from Pittsburgh, and a hometown reunion could be just what the doctor ordered.
Other than his abilities at the position, Whitehead can play in the box and the slot. The Black and Gold could use some upgrades at both positions. He has been rumored to the team as a free agent before but never signed with the club. If his opportunities are dried up, Khan would be crazy not to consider adding this reliable player in free agency.
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Andrus Peat, Offensive lineman
Khan's investment in the trenches and building his team from that foundation remains the plan. They decided not to draft an offensive lineman in this class, which means there are still problems along the trenches. The departures of Dan Moore Jr., James Daniels, and Nate Herbig are catastrophic to their depth. Their losses in free agency might force them to add a free agent.
Andrus Peat could be the perfect piece to add to the offensive line. The Steelers cannot afford to go into training camp with this unproven line holding down the fort. Peat has position flexibility and has started across the trenches. His availability in free agency to this point of the year should allow them to sign him for cheap.
He can push the starters for their jobs and be a reliable depth piece.
Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback
Pittsburgh added a couple of free agents earlier this offseason by signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols. They will push for impactful roles on defense, but questions are lingering around this position. The lack of depth behind the starters is problematic, and the lack of quality options to start in the slot is an issue. Asante Samuel Jr. continues to wait for an NFL job.
Most experts thought Samuel would get plenty of money at the start of free agency, but he remains available. He is a young player and someone the Steelers expressed tons of pre-draft interest in. There are rumors about his potential shoulder injury being a problem. If that's true, Pittsburgh might not consider this. He could be a perfect guy for Slay to mentor into a starting role if he's healthy.