Free agency is about to get underway, and the Steelers are set to have a few tough decisions to make. They have a large amount of initial cap space, and more than likely they will be able to produce even more room this offseason.
Unlike years past, this team should be ready to spend this offseason.
The question comes down to where that money can and should be spent. On offense, this unit needs a facelift and has to find a way to get more competitive in the modern NFL. On defense, a few pieces are needed for this group to become elite.
Today, I am focusing on the offense and have found a name at each position that makes sense for the Steelers. To be clear, these names are all currently not on the Steelers roster and will be unrestricted free agents in just a few days.
These six offensive free agents would be perfect targets for the Steelers in 2025.
Offensive players the Pittsburgh Steelers must target in free agency
QB: Daniel Jones
Rumors swirled early in the offseason that the Steelers were interested in Daniel Jones this offseason. The fanbase collectively lost their minds over the idea of him coming to the Steel City.
I, for one, actually like the idea of adding Jones to the roster on a few conditions. One would be the price tag. Some estimations seem extremely high for him, and it could mean that there is starter interest in Jones this offseason. However, if he was willing to take more of a backup-type of salary, I would be all in.
More than likely, the Steelers will retain one of Russell Wilson or, more likely, Justin Fields. Having a capable backup behind them that can push them makes sense. Healthy competition can bring out the best in all parties.
Ideally, Fields is retained and Jones would come in as an experienced backup. If Fields plays well, Jones can earn some hype on the bench like we saw happen with Mitchell Trubisky a few years ago before he joined the team. If Fields falters, Jones can step in and play.
The free-agent quarterback market isn’t great this year. While I like the idea of taking a flyer on some of the other failed quarterbacks, Jones would be the best to help push the rest of the roster.
RB: Javonte Williams
Similar to Jones, Javonte Williams will come down to cost. Some expect him to earn a deal north of $5 million a year, but given his struggles, that would be far too rich.
If, however, his market is cooler due to a strong running back class, taking a cheap stab at Williams would be too good to pass up. He was one of the most dynamic runners when he entered the league, but injuries zapped him of his explosiveness and agility.
Two years removed from his injury though, Williams could finally be healthy. We saw a similar story unfold last year with J.K. Dobbins. He struggled with injuries in Baltimore and landed with the Chargers on a one-year deal. He was explosive for the first part of the year, and while his production slowed down, he still had a great rebound year.
Williams could have a similar impact on a new team if fully healthy. Assuming his contract comes in relatively cheaply, even if not for the minimum, he can add another body to this running back room.
WR: Amari Cooper
I go back and forth on what receiver target would be the best for the Steelers. There are a few names that I like, and I feel like I go back and forth daily on who would make the most sense. Ultimately, I think Amari Cooper would be a great fit for this offense no matter what happens elsewhere.
It seems like George Pickens will be back next year and not on a new deal. To me, that is a recipe for disaster, and Cooper would be a viable replacement if Pickens were to be traded or miss time in a holdout.
While Cooper struggled to get his footing in Buffalo, he has been a steady low-end top receiver, and at this stage in his career, he seems like a potental second option for an offense. That gives this team the most flexibility if Pickens were to go off the rails.
If he doesn’t, then you have two quality receivers to run through and potentially a mentor for Pickens and the rest of the receiver room for the long term. Cooper is the safest and most logical name to target for this team in the offseason.
Bonus name: Josh Palmer
If the team is dedicated to Pickens and giving him a new deal or wants this room to run cheaply like it did last year, Josh Palmer is a fine second receiver to target. He can do a bit of everything and has been a quality depth option for the Chargers.
Signing him also allows you to take a receiver in the first round comfortably, as Palmer can shift into a third target for the team. He shouldn’t cost much, and he provides an instant upgrade over what the team had last year.
TE: Luke Farrell
Is tight end a need this offseason? One could argue that it falls into the sneaky category. This offense wants to utilize multi-tight end schemes as much as they can, and while the top two options are fine, the rest of the depth chart is lacking.
Finding the sweet spot as to who to target is the issue. Spending multiple millions a season on a third-string option seems unwise, but a cheap option coming off a rookie deal could work. Luke Farrell previously had some interest from the Steelers and has been a fine reserve tight end for the Jaguars.
Would this be a big contract or a notable one? No, but he fills a need and gives you three dependable options to work with. Likewise, if a better option presents itself later on, Farrell could be cut with little to no problems.
OT: Kelvin Beachum
Finding a capable swing tackle on the cheap that can push the rookies for a starting role is quite the task. That said, it is a glaring need, as having no tackle depth would be a disaster given the youth and inexperience in the tackle room.
Kelvin Beachum makes the most sense. He has a history in Pittsburgh, having been drafted by the team and starting here before moving on. Since then, he has gone on quite a journey to establish himself as a viable starter. Even in his advanced age, Beachum is still a quality backup and can start when needed.
He can play left or right tackle for the offense or kick in as a tackle-eligible while serving as depth. Tackles always receive good money due to the scarcity of the position, but at Beachum’s age, he might come in cheaper. Pencil him in or another veteran as a free-agent target.
IOL: Robert Hainsey
Similar to tackle depth, the interior of the line could also use a boost, specifically at the center position. While the starters are all set, the team saw some issues when Zach Frazier went down with injury. Having another capable guard/center type would be great.
Robert Hainsey was, at one point, the starting center for the Buccaneers, but he shifted to more of a backup role despite his play not being horrible. Now set to be a free agent, he should find a home as a cheap backup for the 2025 season.
Pittsburgh would be a great home for him. The team liked him coming out of Notre Dame, but they ultimately went with Kendrick Green instead. While Hainsey also hasn’t become a great starter, he can settle in as a backup center and guard for the Steelers on the cheap this year.