The Pittsburgh Steelers believe they can compete next season, and that confidence could lead them to target cap casualties in free agency.
Becoming a cap casualty in the NFL is never a positive outcome, as it typically indicates a player is not living up to the value of their contract. For one reason or another, those players failed to live up to that billing, but it could present a new opportunity for them as free agents. Once they hit free agency, they could be viewed as cheaper options for contending teams.
There are many positions of need for the Steelers to target between free agency and the NFL Draft. The roster has several notable needs, including wide receiver, quarterback, offensive line, and multiple positions in the secondary. Pittsburgh has cap space to work with this offseason and could open more with some cap casualties of its own.
The Steelers could make some moves with free agents who could become available.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could go after these high-profile players if they get released ahead of free agency
Mekhi Becton, OG, Los Angeles Chargers
No one knows if Isaac Seumalo will return as he hits free agency, but it seems unlikely. He is getting older and battled through injury this past season. They will be looking for a replacement, and Mekhi Becton may be looking for a new home. Pittsburgh would make sense as a landing spot for Becton. He is coming off a down year, but he has plenty of experience and would be a nice addition.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has a lot of good receivers. Michael Pittman Jr. has been one of their top playmakers since he was drafted there in 2020. With more receivers starting to emerge, and free agent Alec Pierce needing a new deal, Pittman could be on his way out. The Steelers would do terrific work by signing Pittman if he became a cap casualty.
He would be a nice addition to pair with DK Metcalf.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Miami Dolphins
While a reunion between Minkah Fitzpatrick and the Steelers seems unlikely, don't rule it out. He still has teammates that he holds in high regard in Pittsburgh, and his cap savings by being cut by the Miami Dolphins make him an obvious cap casualty. Fitzpatrick hasn’t lived up to his contract in the first year, but he remains a solid starting safety in the league and would still have value on the roster.
An NFL rule prevents the Steelers from trading for Fitzpatrick (after trading him away last offseason), but they are permitted to sign him if he gets released by the Dolphins.
Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons
You have to include a quarterback on the list here until one gets added to the Steelers roster.
Kirk Cousins would not be a thrilling pick, but he will be available. He would like the opportunity to become a starting quarterback in the NFL again, but it will not be easy. Joining Pittsburgh would give him a chance to prove he can be the team’s starter this season, though failure could result in a return to a backup role. Cousins also would not command a high cost on the free-agent market.
Darious Williams, CB, LA Rams
Now that Mike Tomlin is gone, we will see if the franchise stays away from old cornerbacks. If they failed to learn their lesson, Darious Williams could be a viable option in free agency if he gets cut. The experienced corner has been a starter throughout his career, but has fallen back into a depth role this past season. The Steelers need experience in the secondary, and Williams can compete for a job.