With $60 million in cap space, the Steelers have little excuse to fail at splash additions in free agency. They have the money to spend if they want to be one of the most active teams. All signs point to them trying to sign a receiver and cornerback who can start for their team. Free agents make decisions based on money and the location of the organization they are considering.
Pittsburgh isn't the top choice on most boards.
Omar Khan has to accomplish a lot by shmoozing free agents into signing with the Steelers. Their brand recognition alone won't be enough. They must offer a hefty contract, or they could struggle to land any of the top players available in free agency. If Khan fails to sign top players at holes across their roster, he could have to settle for some under-the-radar choices.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target these under-the-radar prospects as free agency begins
Daniel Jones, QB, Minnesota Vikings
You can roll your eyes at Daniel Jones signing with the Steelers all you want, but it's a realistic choice. He shouldn't be your priority when searching for your starting quarterback next season, but he should stay on their radar. If Justin Fields and Russell Wilson jump ship, you cannot go into the draft without a quarterback on the roster with starting capabilities.
Either Fields or Wilson should be the starter next season. Jones could be their final choice if free-agent options dry up fast. He could get the Steelers in the perfect draft position to take a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, which has tons of talent. Ideally, Jones would be nothing more than a backup guy who can start if Fields or Wilson went down with an injury.
Jeff Okuda, CB, Houston Texans
Bringing Jeff Okuda aboard would disappoint fans if he was the only cornerback signed during free agency. They must target a more impactful addition than Okuda, but he could be someone who plays a pivotal role as a depth player. Pittsburgh needs to reform its secondary, and Khan should investigate multiple additions at cornerback.
Okuda is a failed first-round pick with prior connections to Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Don't expect Okuda to join the franchise and turn his career around. He shouldn't be more than a depth addition to challenge Cory Trice for the backup job behind Joey Porter Jr. and some other free agent they sign. His connection with Smith during their time with the Atlanta Falcons could be influential. Okudah wouldn't excite fans, but he would boost their depth chart.
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Robert Woods, WR, Houston Texans
Everyone in Pittsburgh is hoping Khan finds an upgrade at the receiver position. He's failed to find a weapon on offense to team with George Pickens since trading Diontae Johnson away a year ago. That has been the biggest black eye on Khan's resume as the general manager. He needs to land a star player this offseason to boost the Steelers offense.
Maybe he wouldn't be their top addition to boost the receiving core, but Robert Woods will be a free agent. Rumors swirled around Pittsburgh in a trade for Woods leading up to the final moments of the preseason. He isn't a top threat, but Woods is a valuable piece to employ. The 12-year veteran would be an excellent role model in their locker room.