After the way things ended with an early exit from the postseason, you can bet there will be roster shake-ups on the Steelers in 2025—even if the team is reluctant to make coaching changes. 'Running it back' and expecting different results is not an option, and this team has a long list of unrestricted free agents set to hit the market.
Most of these UDFAs have already cleaned out their lockers for the last time in Pittsburgh and will look to sign with new teams (and hope for better results) in 2025. For the select few who didn't prove to be disappointments or still offer a niche role, a return to the team is possible. Here are five Steelers free agents most likely to re-sign with the team this offseason.
Justin Fields, QB
Of the names on this list, none is more notable or potentially more important than Justin Fields. Despite an impressive start to the 2024 season that included a 4-2 record with 10 total touchdowns and one interception in six games, Fields was benched for Russell Wilson.
After witnessing Wilson's struggles down the stretch and into the playoffs, the Steelers seem poised to make the right choice and retain Fields—a quarterback who is ten years younger with significantly more mobility. Fields isn't guaranteed to succeed in Pittsburgh if given a full season, but QB streaming options will be limited.
The Steelers could lock up Fields to a multi-year contract, and if things don't work out, he could act as a bridge QB until Pittsburgh takes another shot in the draft at a franchise signal-caller.
Elandon Roberts, LB
Perhaps nobody had a more important niche role on the Steelers in 2024 than Elandon Roberts. The veteran linebacker was the second coming of Vince Williams—proving to be an effective downhill thumper who could meet running backs in the hole.
Roberts was one of the team's only bright spots in run defense this season. While third-round linebacker Payton Wilson proved he's ready to take on a larger role, the Steelers won't want to part with one of their most reliable and consistent defenders from the 2024 season. After a strong year, Pittsburgh may have to overpay to keep Roberts on the team, but it will be worth it in their eyes.
READ MORE: Full list of Pittsburgh Steelers free agents this offseason
Ben Skowronek, WR
Who would have thought that Ben Skowronek—a reserve wide receiver who's now a free agent—could have among the best job security at the position? There isn't a chance this team is bringing back Van Jefferson after a dismal season, and a reunion with Mike Wiliams seems unlikely.
Skowronek is just a guy as a wide receiver, but he's an outstanding special team player. The punt team gunner can get down the field like nobody's business. Skowronek easily filled Miles Boykin's old role on the team and then some. I fully expect the Steelers to attempt to bring him back on a new contract in 2025.
Jaylen Warren, RB
This one isn't really fair, as Jaylen Warren is an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers have until the start of free agency to place a second-round tender on Warren. This would lock him to the team for the 2025 season (unless someone is willing to give Pittsburgh a second-round pick, which won't happen).
Due to nagging injuries, Warren took a step back last season. But despite his history of soft tissue injuries and the fact that he's not an every-down running back, Warren offers depth and security at the position. I'd expect he's the only player from the running back room who returns for the 2025 season.
Tyler Matakevich, LB
At some point, a linebacker in his 30s who doesn't see the field on defense will be forced to hang up his cleats. However, for the same reasons that Ben Skowronek could stick around in Pittsburgh, Tyler Matakevich could sign another contract with the team.
Matakevich has a niche role as a core special teams player, where he's logged 2,759 career snaps. The fact that the veteran linebacker has only seen the field on defense for 19 snaps over the past three seasons with the Bills and Steelers shows you how trustworthy he is on special teams coverage units. Pittsburgh could bring him back for another season to fill this role.