With just over $47 million in available cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some financial flexibility. Ideally, they will find additional ways to free up even more room before free agency begins. Having ample cap space would allow them to make meaningful additions, especially since the upcoming NFL Draft will not address all of their roster concerns. It should be a busy offseason.
In this mock offseason, the article will move through four phases.
It will begin with cap casualties and contract restructures, transition into a re-signing phase, then explore free agency, and finally conclude with a mock draft. As this simulation shows, the Steelers can accomplish a great deal this offseason. There are realistic opportunities for them to create additional cap space, take an aggressive approach in free agency, and leverage the upcoming draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock offseason witnesses' new faces exchanging for the old guard
Cap casualty: Patrick Queen (+13.33), Restructure Jalen Ramsey (+9), Malik Harrison (+4.75)
Moving into the cap‑casualty phase of the mock offseason, Pittsburgh has several decisions to consider. They begin by restructuring Jalen Ramsey’s contract, which creates significant cap savings. Ramsey proved to be a versatile defensive piece last season and has earned another opportunity. Meanwhile, Malik Harrison did not provide enough value to keep around.
Perhaps the most obvious yet unlikely cap casualty in this scenario is Patrick Queen. After GM Omar Khan’s recent comments at the NFL Combine, Queen's roster spot appears secure. However, Khan has publicly supported players at the Combine before, only for them to be gone soon after. Financially, moving on from Queen would free up a significant amount of cap space.
Making those cap moves would save the Steelers a substantial amount, but they also plan to draft a quarterback, which would leave them with too many players. Las Vegas is searching for experienced depth, so they trade for Mason Rudolph. The return is not significant, but the deal saves Pittsburgh another 3 million dollars in cap space and allows them to move up 11 spots in the fourth round.
Pittsburgh heads into the re-sign phase of the mock offseason with $79.05 million in cap space.
Re-sign: Aaron Rodgers (1-year $12 million), Cole Holcomb (1-year $2.5 million), Chuck Clark (1-year $1.35 million), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (1-year $1.2 million), Connor Heyward, (2-year $2.8 million), Asante Samuel Jr. (2-year $4.75 million), James Pierre (1-year $1.85 million), Isaiahh Loudermilk (1-year $1.2 million), Eszezi Otomewo (1-year $1.25 million), Corliss Waitman (1-year $2 million)
Most of the players being re-signed are depth options for Pittsburgh to evaluate at training camp. Aaron Rodgers remains the top priority for the Steelers, and his salary aligns with his former number in Green Bay. Bringing back several notable veterans to compete also helps fill various openings across the roster. After these signings, the team has 51.92 million dollars in remaining cap space.
Free agency: Zion Johnson (3-year $33.78 million), Leo Chenal (3-year $14 million), Elandon Roberts (1-year $4 million), Christian Kirk (1-year $5 million), Aaron Jones (1-year $4 million), Amik Robertson (2-year $8 million), Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (1-year $2.8 million)
On the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers make a major addition by signing Zion Johnson. He should serve as a strong replacement for Isaac Seumalo. Christian Kirk and Aaron Jones are reliable veterans who can start when needed or step into depth roles if that is where they fit best. Jones also has strong connections to several people in Pittsburgh, making him an obvious free agent target.
Free agency continues on the defensive side of the ball as Leo Chenal emerges as an affordable option who provides quality play. Elandon Roberts returns to the Steelers and can either start at the position or settle into a dependable rotational role. Both Amik Robertson and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are added in free agency as potential starters, but they will have to earn those spots.
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Following a busy free agency stretch in the mock offseason, the Steelers enter the NFL Draft with 16.2 million dollars in cap space. There is still plenty for this mock draft to accomplish to make the offseason a success. Pittsburgh could use help at several positions. Some of the most notable needs include receiver, the secondary, both sides of the trenches, and quarterback.
Steelers mock draft witnesses' multiple trades to create a fun draft class full of potential
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Night one of the draft arrives, and the Steelers immediately try to trade up. Their attempts fall short, forcing them to stay put. They select Omar Cooper Jr. out of Indiana, a player who has been rising steadily. After signing Kirk earlier in free agency, Pittsburgh adds Cooper to the mix.
The Steelers finally secure quality receivers who can help elevate their offense this season.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
With the uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones and his neck injury, it would not be surprising if the Steelers sign or draft a left tackle. In this mock draft, they wait until the second round to select Max Iheanachor. He has had a strong pre-draft process so far and profiles as a solid project-type tackle. Even if Jones is out long-term, Iheanachor can spend the year learning behind veteran players.
Despite them re-signing Pierre and Samuel earlier in the mock offseason, the needs in the secondary are still prevalent. The cornerback position has too many question marks despite Pierre playing well down the stretch last season, and Samuel's pedigree. Pittsburgh should be focused on adding some other pieces in the draft and competing with Pierre, Samuel, and Robertson at training camp.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via Texans): Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
After moving some of their selections through the trade with Houston, the Steelers select Daylen Everette. He did not have an outstanding career at Georgia, but he brings strong athletic traits and a desirable body type that can be further developed. The good news is that Everette would have time to grow as a rookie, thanks to the number of veteran players already ahead of him on the depth chart.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Kyle Louis, S, Pittsburgh
It would be a bold move, but the Steelers take the local prospect Kyle Louis to become a reliable contributor on defense.
He was dominant in coverage during the Senior Bowl, and the hope is that his performance carries over to the NFL. Louis has the versatility to play either middle linebacker or safety at the next level, but in this scenario, the Steelers need help at safety. He would be a terrific chess piece who could bring fresh ideas and versatility to a defense that has grown somewhat stale.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Comp Pick): Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
With the amount of interest the franchise showed in defensive linemen at the NFL Combine, don't be shocked if they add to the trenches. They take Darrell Jackson Jr. at this point in the mock draft. He is a massive defensive tackle with an enormous wingspan. Two things the Steelers desire at the position. Jackson needs coaching at the next level to develop into a strong contributor.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Despite his strong combine, people should be careful about how much hype they apply to Drew Allar. Is he a solid flyer pick that could potentially develop into something special? Yes. Is that a likely outcome? No. With that said, the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to develop quarterbacks, and taking Allar at this point of the mock draft is worth it. He has a high ceiling, but is a boom-or-bust prospect.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Comp Pick): Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
With Jonnu Smith becoming a cap casualty, the team could use some insurance behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
They select Josh Cuevas here, a player with solid experience and respectable production entering the draft. Overall, it is a weak tight end class, but Cuevas has the potential to grow into a dependable role player. He will need to improve his blocking ability moving forward.
There were some intriguing prospects beginning to fall in the mock draft, and the Steelers got back on the phones to find another trade partner. They eventually struck a deal with the Saints, moving up 52 spots in exchange for a sixth-round pick. While the team has already addressed its needs along the offensive line in this mock offseason simulation, it is always wise to keep investing in the trenches.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Via Saints): Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
After moving up, they decide to select a guard. They already added Iheanachor to bolster the tackle position, but they continue reinforcing the offensive line by drafting Beau Stephens. He logged a significant number of snaps at Iowa, a program well known for developing quality offensive linemen.
Stephens will step in as an immediate backup to Zion Johnson and provide additional depth at right guard as well.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
The Steelers dip back into the Hawkeyes talent pool once again with the selection of Kaden Wetjen. He drew attention after a strong performance at the East West Shrine Bowl. Wetjen is also a capable returner, which is an area where the Steelers could use help. Pittsburgh adds yet another option to strengthen the receiver room, along with a prospect who can contribute on special teams.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State
Although Mike Tomlin is gone, do not expect the Steelers to shy away from draft prospects with NFL bloodlines. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is the son of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr. The Ohio State product showed off impressive speed at the combine, but his game tape is not particularly standout. The hope is that Styles Jr. can translate that speed into meaningful contributions on special teams.