It's not even the offseason yet, but you better believe the Steelers' front office is hard at work trying to define their future. The NFL Draft might not be until April 24, but the scouting department has been searching for their next star players in the college ranks. They have also been looking for potential targets when free agency opens in March as they should have some extra cash.
There will be plenty of changes coming to the Steelers before free agency hits. Expect several cap casualties to come your way so Pittsburgh has some extra flexibility. Extending Russell Wilson will not be cheap, so having some extra cap space would be a wise move.
The Steelers won't be able to afford every pending free agent this offseason, and some players could price themselves out of town.
Najee Harris, RB
When the Steelers declined Najee Harris' fifth-year option this past year, many thought he was as good as gone. He still hasn't found the consistency of a star running back, but he continues to produce quality numbers with Jaylen Warren as his partner. Harris is a good player, but he doesn't seem worth a big contract that he will likely command. Unless they can re-sign him cheaper than projected, he is gone.
James Daniels, OG
It is a shame that James Daniels's career with Pittsburgh will finish with his season-ending injury. Daniels was a quality guard for them and remains one of the better free-agency moves in recent Steelers history. Mason McCormick took over for him once he got hurt, and things have steadied since. McCormick is younger and cheaper, so it seems like Daniels will be wearing a different uniform next season.
Donte Jackson, CB
Despite the Steelers still having problems at receiver, their trade to acquire Donte Jackson remains one of the better moves from last offseason. Jackson is a pending free agent and the Steelers would love to have him back. The main issue with bringing Jackson back is the number of teams who will be interested in him during free agency. The veteran cornerback could quickly price himself out of Pittsburgh.
Dan Moore Jr., OT
It's hard to think of a more disliked figure in Steelers history just for starting football games. Dan Moore Jr. has not been great throughout his career in Pittsburgh, but he has started to show some promise this year. Many grew tired of Moore as the left tackle a long time ago. He will be leaving as the pending free agent should get a big contract thrown his way with the youth and experience he has.
Justin Fields, QB
There is still a group of Steelers Nation who believe Justin Fields should be the starting quarterback over Russell Wilson. Regardless, Wilson will be the one who re-signs. Don't rule out Fields coming back completely, as he could return if his market in free agency is poor. Everything seems to be pointing to him departing the Steelers, which would hurt both parties.