With free agency getting ready to commence, the Pittsburgh Steelers have their work cut out for them. During the 2024 season, significant roster holes were exposed and Pittsburgh's biggest needs are easy to pinpoint.
Thankfully, general manager Omar Khan has over $60 million in cap space to work his magic this offseason, and signing a high-profile free agent (or two) isn't out of the question for a team that typically abides by the 'draft and maintain' roster-building strategy.
This year's group of free agents isn't flooded with All-Pros and many of the best available players are already past their prime. Still, there are some difference makers set to hit free agency, and these five potential Steelers targets could help Pittsburgh take their game to another level in 2025.
Free agents who could take the Pittsburgh Steelers to another level in 2025
Byron Murphy Jr., CB, Minnesota Vikings
The Pittsburgh Steelers need another boundary cornerback and slot cornerback. Byron Murphy is both players rolled into one. Despite his underwhelming size and athletic profile (5'10 3/4'' and 190 pounds with 4.55 speed), Murphy is smooth and polished. His remarkable feel for the game includes little wasted movement, and his instincts allow him to be just as good at covering the slot as he is on the outside.
Currently across from Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers have an injury-plagued cornerback in Cory Trice Jr. with Beanie Bishop Jr. as the nickel CB. Murphy would be an upgrade over both players and the Steelers could use him wherever they need him most.
Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Landing Chris Godwin in free agency won't come without paying a premium, but he's a proven wide receiver who could give Pittsburgh's offense a significant boost. Godwin played in only seven games last season but managed 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns. He easily would have had his fourth straight 1,000-yard season in a row if not for an injury that cut his season short.
Now Godwin becomes the hottest name on the free agent market . Godwin turned 29 years old in February, but still has a few good years left in the tank. The Steelers can't simply rely on George Pickens and the right receiver to fall to them in the NFL Draft. Making a free-agent splash of this magnitude would help take Arthur Smith's offense to another level.
Milton Williams, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
This one is a pipe dream, but we know the Pittsburgh Steelers have the salary cap space if they want to throw their hat in the ring for Milton Williams. The former Eagles defensive tackle and Super Bowl champion just turned 26 years old on March 6 and he's gotten better in each of his first four seasons.
Williams ranked 2nd in the NFL in pass-rush grade in 2024, per Pro Football Focus, and he's only scratching the surface. While his profile (6'3'', 290 lbs) isn't exactly what the Steelers are looking for, you can never have too many good players in the trenches. Williams is one of th best free agents on the market this year—regardless of position—and he would vault Pittsburgh's stagnant defense.
Charvarius Ward, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Charvaris Ward fell back down to earth in 2024, but the same could be said for just about every talented player on the 49ers. Still, Ward was tremendous in 2022 and 2023 and there's no reason to think he can't return to form.
At nearly 6'1'' and 198 pounds with long arms and 4.44 speed, Ward fits the bill of what the Steelers are looking for in a boundary cornerback, and he would be a tremendous pairing with Joey Porter Jr. on Pittsburgh's defense. The 49ers star CB was a Pro Bowler in 2023 after earning five interceptions and a defensive touchdown.
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
The dream isn't dead yet. Last year at the NFL trade deadline, Steelers fans were banging the table for Omar Khan to make an aggressive move and trade for All-Pro wideout Davante Adams. Instead, it was the Jets who won the bidding war, but after roughly half a season in New York, Adams is back on the market.
Though he's now 32 years old, Adams still wins with smooth route running and a savvy ability to set up defenders at the top of his routes. He's still one of the most complete wide receivers in the league, and there's no question he would give the Pittsburgh Steelers a go-to option in the passing game—even before getting their quarterback situation figured out.