The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason has had a little bit of everything. A huge trade for a star player, an exciting veteran defensive back was signed, and the quarterback position is in complete disarray. It's a wonder how Omar Khan keeps his sanity, let alone the fanbase critiquing all of his moves.
But Khan and the other general managers and decision-makers around the league know that's the gig. They're under a fine microscope this time of year and every decision, no matter how miniscule, is bound to set the franchise back five years or make them a Super Bowl contender.
Let's join in on the fun by highlighting the best, worst and most confusing additions Khan has made for the Steelers in free agency this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' best, worst, and most confusing free-agent signings
The Most Confusing Steelers FA Signing - LB Malik Harrison
Half of the confusion in the Steelers' signing is why the front office let Elandon Roberts walk. Malik Harrison comes over from Baltimore to serve the same role that Roberts did: short-yardage and goalline thumper.
Roberts built up a lot of trust as a leader on the defense in 2023 and was reliable in a smaller role in 2024. He consistently made plays in short-yardage situations and yet the Steelers chose to spend more money on a player who hasn't proven himself to be as reliable.
Still, Harrison just turned 27 and can contribute more on run downs and play some special teams.
The Worst Steelers FA Signing - CB Brandin Echols
Brandin Echols bears the weight of being the worst free agency signing for the Steelers so far simply because Aaron Rodgers hasn't blessed the football world with a decision yet. Should Pittsburgh sign the 41-year-old quarterback, he'd fill the slot.
Echols isn't inherently a bad signing. He's expected to be at the bottom of the depth chart and contribute on special teams, assuming he makes the 53-man roster. Of course, he's the only signing who could even feasibly be cut before the regular season begins, which warrants being the "worst" signing on its own.
Quite a few of the Steelers free agent moves have a lackluster feel, this one just so happens to be the dullest of them all.
The Best Steelers FA Signing - RB Kenneth Gainwell
For many in the Steelers' fanbase, letting Najee Harris walk was a bittersweet feeling. He wasn't a superstar, but he was consistent and clearly had a sense of pride in wearing the black and gold. Thankfully, early indications are that Kenneth Gainwell will help Steelers fans who felt that way move on from the former first-round pick.
Personally, I've seen quite a few Eagles fans talk about Gainwell in an extremely positive light. Gainwell had been a secondary backfield option for the entirety of his time in Philadelphia, but he was fairly consistent in his production averaging four yards per carry and seven yards per reception.
READ MORE: Grading every Steelers signing from the first wave of free agency
Gainwell did see a dip in his production last year, but it's more than understandable based on the season Saquon Barkley had. Nonetheless, he should pair well with Jaylen Warren in the Pittsburgh backfield with a more balanced distribution of backfield touches. Gainwell may be small, 5-foot-9, 200lbs, but he's a tough runner and can carry the ball reliably inside and out.
The only other qualifier for this spot is the addition of Darius Slay at cornerback. Slay is getting older, so the quality of his contributions to the Steeler defense remains questionable. Gainwell is closer to a sure thing, especially with a lower bar for success, and therefore a slightly better signing.