The offseason hasn’t gone as Steeler fans had hoped it would. Having a record amount of cap space and a plethora of needs, it seemed like this team was primed for some big moves and splash signings.
Instead, they turned over their quarterback room for the second straight season and signed an elderly cornerback.
In a vacuum, the moves this offseason haven’t been bad, but given the state of the quarterback room, this team certainly won’t be competitive. No matter what the Steelers claim, a Super Bowl isn’t in the cards next season.
You should be ok with this.
Unless Justin Fields makes some big changes, no realistic quarterback for the team was going to get them over the hump. As it stands right now, the team appears to be poised for an average season and has a chance to sneak into the playoffs. That means that, moving forward, there is only one way this team can win the offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to have their focus on 2026
Given the outcome of free agency and where the strength lies in this draft class, the best way for the Steelers to win is to shift their focus to 2026. On paper, they are already in a great spot to make a huge overhaul one year from now.
Once again, this team will be flush with cap space. Over the Cap has them estimated at over $122 million in free cap space right now. That number will shrink with a T.J. Watt extension, but even still, it seems likely that this team will have a similarly large amount of cap space come 2026.
This means that they will have the flexibility of making big moves. While they won’t be the top spenders, they can add a few huge pieces as they did with D.K. Metcalf this offseason.
As for the remainder of the current free agency period, Pittsburgh appears set to play the compensatory pick game. They are in line to receive four additional picks in 2026, and depending on playing time and incentives in deals three of the picks could become third round selections.
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers debacle proves that the 'Steelers Way' is officially dead
While the team will continue to sign players, I expect most of them to be cap casualties or minimum level options to keep those picks secure. Frankly, there isn’t anyone else worth risking those comp picks over.
As for the draft, despite the quarterback question looming large, this team can’t use its top pick on a rookie passer. Play to the strengths of this draft and beef up your defensive line. Perhaps add a receiver, knowing George Pickens is likely out the door soon, and get a running back to help build out that room.
Those moves won’t yield instant results, but it will help give this team some strengths heading into next offseason. You can also use this season to see what you have in young players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Cory Trice. All three should have a chance to prove their worth this year.
The goal will be to have one main agenda come draft time next year: quarterback. On paper, that class will be far deeper and talented in this current crop of passers. While the Steelers likely won’t be bad enough to get a top-five pick, they will have the ammo from additional comp picks to be able to make a move to get their guy.
Maybe that is Arch Manning if all goes well. Drew Allar could also make a lot of sense, and he has a cannon for an arm. How about Nico Iamaleava and his unique size and athleticism. No matter who their guy is, the options should be plenty.
No matter what the Steelers do in 2025, a Super Bowl seems like a long shot. Instead, this team should swallow their pride and be playing for 2026. No, the players won’t roll over, but getting desperate for a quarterback this year could spoil a prime opportunity to create a dynasty next year.