The Pittsburgh Steelers have nearly $60 million in cap space this offseason as they try to improve a roster that has very clear flaws that need to be addressed. With free agency on the horizon, much of the attention from fans and media will be on the big-name targets that multiple teams will likely be pursuing. Players like Chris Godwin, Sam Darnold, Milton Williams, Charvarius Ward, and several others will have plenty of suitors for the Steelers to contend with.
While they will likely try to bring in at least one real difference-maker at a position of need, this roster needs an infusion of reliable role players and quality depth as well. Every season, a player nobody was expecting has a surprise breakout after getting a low-end free agent deal. Zach Baun is a great example from this past season, earning an All-Pro nod after starting just 14 games in four years with the Saints.
The point is that not all of the high-impact free agents are the ones getting huge contracts. Here are five players who could be low-key signings for the Steelers in free agency.
Low-key free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers should target in free agency
Josh Palmer, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
The Steelers need significant help at wide receiver this offseason, and they should be willing to target the position both in free agency and the draft. With Deebo Samuel off the board after being traded to the Commanders and Tee Higgins being tagged by the Bengals, few impact receivers are still available. Chris Godwin and the recently released Davante Adams are the best of the bunch, but neither seems likely to come to Pittsburgh.
If no huge upgrade is available, targeting someone like Chargers receiver Josh Palmer could make sense. He is just 25 and coming off consecutive seasons averaging over 15 yards per reception. He is a great fit for the Steelers' pass offense that likes to take shots, with an average depth of target of 15.1. He isn't dynamic with the ball in his hands or the best route runner, but he would give them more upside than they got from the likes of Van Jefferson or Mike Williams a year ago.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Demarcus Robinson may remind fans too much of other recent older receivers that they have added, like Allen Robinson and Van Jefferson, but Robinson has been a legitimate weapon for the Rams over the last two seasons. He has amassed over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in those two years, with a career-high 602 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024.
Robinson was a big-play threat in those two seasons as well, averaging 15.9 yards per reception as a Ram. The Steelers need more big plays on offense, especially if they can't find a true number two opposite of George Pickens. Robinson could provide that for a relatively cheap cost considering he is now over 30 and has never been a high-volume receiver.
Bobby Brown III, NT, Los Angeles Rams
Sticking with players who play in the City of Angels, Rams' nose tackle Bobby Brown III could be an inexpensive way to help beef up the Steelers' interior defensive line. He stands at a thunderous 6'4" and 324 pounds and has steadily improved as a run-stuffing lineman. He played a career-high 513 snaps in 2024, so he has shown he can hold up as a big part of a rotation.
The Steelers' run defense had a rough end to the season, giving up 156 yards per game during their five-game losing streak to end 2024. That will certainly be in the back of Omar Khan's mind as he and the front office look to upgrade the team, and a player like Brown III could be a part of helping rectify the run defense issues. The draft could also be their solution, but why not attack it on both fronts?
Isaac Yiadom, CB, San Francisco 49ers
This one would be a bit of a gamble, but Isaac Yiadom could be a good depth signing at worst as an outside corner for the Steelers. Yiadom is a journeyman corner who has now played for six different teams, most of which were rather poor in terms of coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. His one year of great play came in 2023 for the Saints, earning an 80.4 coverage grade.
Despite a strong season, the 49ers were able to pick him up on a one-year deal for just $3 million. He didn't have nearly as good of a season in 2024, but he fits the Steelers' recent preferred build as a taller, longer corner. He would be very cheap and could be a bounce-back candidate in a better scheme for his playstyle.
Cam Akers, RB, Minnesota Vikings
The Steelers are likely to lose Najee Harris in free agency after four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Pittsburgh. Jaylen Warren should be back on a restricted free agent tender, but the running back room will need to be overhauled regardless in 2024. The draft is where the most potential for a true upgrade will be, but free agency offers a few veterans that could help raise the floor of the running game.
Vikings running back Cam Akers would be a cheap option who may still have a bit of upside left. Akers battled injuries over the last few seasons, but he had a strong second half of 2024 after joining the Vikings via trade from the Texans. He averaged 4.9 yards per attempt on 69 carries following the trade, and he had 17 carries of over 10 yards on just 109 total carries on the season. He could bring a big-play element to the running game for likely just a few million dollars.