Aaron Rodgers has been the focus of the Pittsburgh Steelers' free agency for weeks. He has kept them in the dark ever since he visited their facility on March 21. Nothing has materialized since then as the veteran quarterback weighs his football future. As he holds the organization hostage, others who called Pittsburgh home at one point in their career also remain in free agency.
The NFL draft will start on April 24, and many teams around the league will address needs in the coming weeks. If clubs cannot solve their roster issues through the draft, they will turn towards free agency to plug holes. The leftover free agents are in a holding pattern, waiting for another opportunity. These former Steelers should find a job before training camps begin.
Don't rule out any of these former players possibly rejoining The Black and Gold.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers still hunting for a job in free agency
Preston Smith, EDGE
He wasn't in Pittsburgh for long, but Preston Smith remains a free agent after a solid 2024 season. The Steelers acquired Smith right before the trade deadline for a seventh-round pick. He became a cap casualty of the team earlier in the offseason, and it's unknown if he would be willing to return.
As the veteran pass rusher decides where to land, Pittsburgh should consider bringing him back if he takes a pay cut.
Omar Khan saved over $13 million in cap space by releasing Smith. It was an easy decision as the aging defensive player didn't get many opportunities with the club. Giving him an expanded role similar to Markus Golden could benefit both parties. Smith isn't the player he used to be, and Pittsburgh could use some depth to round out their edge rushers.
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MyCole Pruitt, Tight end
It appeared that MyCole Pruitt struggled with an injury throughout last season. He barely held onto the third tight end role for the Steelers' offense last year. He might not do much as a target in the passing game, but he is a reliable blocker. Pittsburgh lacks depth at the tight end position, and they could use someone like Pruitt on the depth chart heading into training camp.
Pruitt remains unsigned in free agency, and it's surprising. He might not be a star player, but he is a reliable veteran who can challenge to make any roster in the NFL. Teams who struggle to add a tight end during the NFL draft will pay attention to this free agent.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith begged to add Pruitt last year, and it could happen again if things don't go to plan.
Damontae Kazee, Safety
The Steelers added Juan Thornhill in free agency, so it's unlikely that Damontae Kazee will reunite with the franchise. He continues to waste away in the open waters of free agency. The veteran safety should find work before the preseason process begins. Kazee might not be a terrific player, but he can start games for your defense when needed.
Unless his opportunities are slim and the Steelers can't draft a safety in the upcoming draft, it's hard to imagine them reuniting. Kazee did some good things in a depth role during his time in Pittsburgh, but he was never great. Now that Minkah Fitzpatrick is starting to slow down, the safety position could use a better upgrade than Kazee could provide.