With too many question marks to count surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers roster, this offseason could be full of surprises. Pittsburgh could find themselves in a tough spot if Russell Wilson and Justin Fields leave town. There are clear pathways to get postseason success if they attack available options.
Pittsburgh expressed pre-draft interest in some quarterbacks, and many have connected them to the Steelers. This mock offseason will dissect how adding a first-round signal caller to the roster could affect what Omar Khan can accomplish before the preseason starts. They have enough cap room to make significant additions to their roster if they choose to.
Pittsburgh Steelers roster moves
Cap casualty (53): Larry Ogunjobi (+7), Cole Holcomb (+6), Cordarrelle Patterson (+2.8), Dean Lowry (+2.5), Extend Watt (+11)
Preston Smith became a cap casualty on February 15. He opened up cap space, and the NFL's shocking announcement of the salary increase also shoved more money into the Steeler's pockets. It still makes sense for Pittsburgh to cut the following cap-hogging contracts off the books. T.J. Watt's projected extension moves Pittsburgh to $80 million of cap room.
Re-sign (80): Elandon Roberts (2-years $8 million), MyCole Pruitt (1-year $1.2 million), Jaylen Warren (2-year $11 million), Nate Herbig (1-year $1.2 million), Kyle Allen (1-year, $1.2 million)
With mountains of cap space to spend now, The Black and Gold start by re-signing some of their own. Most of these retentions are depth players and guys who will battle for their roster spots. Elandon Roberts is the highlight on defense. He adds depth and a physical element the team would miss. Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent, but Pittsburgh brings him back on an affordable deal.
Pittsburgh has plenty of money to spend in free agency
As the Steelers approach free agency in this mock offseason, they have more than enough cash. They still need to address a couple of needs before the draft. They would be wise to sign some top-tier players as free agents for the best outcome. They have $66.9 million remaining to spend this offseason.
Free agency offense: Tutu Atwell (1-year, $4 million), Christian Kirk (1-year, $11 million), Andre Dillard (1-year, $2.5 million), Mac Jones (1-year $5.4 million)
Let's get into the offense to kick off this free-agency simulation. Mike Tomlin bangs the table to add Tutu Atwell to bring some depth. He joins on a one-year deal to compete for snaps. Christian Kirk got released by the Jaguars and almost joined the Steelers around the trade deadline. Mac Jones signs to hold the starting quarterback spot until the draft rolls around.
It is a weak draft class at the receiver position, so the Steelers decide to fill their room through free agency. They get two starting caliber weapons on offense to mesh with their current players on the roster. Andre Dillard is a bust, but he can help their depth issues at offensive tackle. He has a connection to Andy Weidl and can play both tackle positions.
Free agency defense: Charvarius Ward (3-years $45.86 million), Jake Martin (1-year, $2 million), Nate Hobbs (2-year, $5.6 million), Vonn Bell (1-year, $1.2 million), Preston Smith (1-year, $3 million)
We move on to the signings that Khan made on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. They need to add a cornerback or two this offseason. They signed Charvarius Ward, a reliable starter for the 49ers this past campaign. He should slide into a starting spot and allow Cory Trice to continue to learn in a lesser role.
The Steelers also signed Nate Hobbs, who can become their starting slot cornerback on day one. He has tons of experience in the position and played under Pittsburgh's new coach, Gerald Alexander, in Las Vegas. Preston Smith goes to free agency but decides to return on a cheaper deal. He is a veteran edge rusher who should accomplish more with a full preseason with the Steelers.
READ MORE: Steelers put their money where their mouth is during this mock free agency
Pittsburgh Steelers address massive quarterback need in NFL mock draft
Tomlin and Khan have formed a formidable group, but they need a quarterback in this portion of the mock draft simulation. They still need a running back who can help replace Najee Harris. They could also use some players along the defensive line and some pieces in the secondary. Adding a quality rookie quarterback to battle with Jones might be a wise idea.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Fans might hate this idea, and it makes sense. If a quarterback makes a jump in the NFL, most experts believe it will be Jaxson Dart. The Steelers met with him at the NFL Combine, and they also got a close up look at the Senior Bowl. He has the mobility they are searching for. Dart brings a tenacity to the position that the club has been trying to find since Ben Roethlisberger.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
It was a shocking first round for the Steelers. The second-round rolls around, and they must add a young player in the trenches. Pittsburgh hands in the card and announces Alfred Collins. This prospect could play nose or defensive tackle at the next level. He is solid against the run and could grow his pass-rush skills in the NFL.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
They already added Ward, but Pittsburgh knows they must continue to add to their secondary. Azareye'h Thomas looked elite at the Senior Bowl, and the Steelers took notice. Not only is Thomas a backup plan in case Ward doesn't work out, but he is also an option in case Joey Porter Jr. struggles.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
Waiting this long to find Harris's replacement would be bold by Tomlin and company. Their running game has to be productive for a successful offense, but Warren takes some pressure off. Jarquez Hunter is the selection here to tandem with Warren. He showed steady growth in his production during his college career and finished with his best season yet in 2024.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Upton Stout, S, Western Kentucky
Pittsburgh takes a gamble at this point in the mock draft by selecting Upton Stout. He is a tiny safety coming out of a small program, but you cannot deny his ability to cause turnovers. He is hovering around 5'9 and only 178 pounds. He has a long injury history in college, but he can provide depth at the position. Stout could also play in the slot at the next level.
READ MORE: Steelers rush to select NFL Combine standout in latest 3-round mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Cam'Ron Jackson, DT, Florida
They picked Collins earlier who could be a nose tackle, but they double-dip in the defensive trenches with Cam'Ron Jackson. He is a massive human who will only be a nose tackle at the next level. Collins can eventually slide over to defensive tackle. Jackson has shown steady growth as he progressed from Memphis to Florida. He might not become a Pro Bowler, but he should be solid against the run.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Aaron Smith, LB, South Carolina State
With Cole Holcomb gone in this mock offseason, Pittsburgh must find competition at inside linebacker. Aaron Smith has a lot of starting experience in the draft process. He is a similar player to Mark Robinson coming out of school. Someone who will hit you hard, but Smith might struggle in pass coverage and getting off blocks.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Seth Henigan, QB, Memphis
Having a quarterback room of Jones, Dart, Kyle Allen, Skylar Thompson, and Seth Henigan isn't ideal. Hopefully, their rookie quarterback from this mock offseason can emerge, or the Steelers might be in massive trouble. They take a flyer on Henigan to round out this mock draft. He might be able to push for the third-string job, or at least learn for a season on the practice squad.