With the New Year about to begin, it's hard not to imagine how much the Pittsburgh Steelers could change.
2026 could finally be the year the franchise turns a corner toward a long-term success plan, rather than continuing to apply a temporary bandage to a problem that requires sustained care and thoughtful development. Depending on how the season concludes, it could directly influence which players are retained and which are released.
The good news is that Pittsburgh has ample cap space to work with and could create additional flexibility through extensions, restructures, and potential cap casualties. It could create an eventful offseason for the Steelers. At present, 24 players are on expiring contracts and will become free agents next year.
It could lead to some tough conversations, but the franchise would be wise to re-sign some big-time players from this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to re-sign these pending free agents after the season
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
No one has broken out more this campaign than Kenneth Gainwell. He was a cheap free agent addition to provide depth and special teams ability, but he's bypassed those roles. He is a focal point on offense, especially towards the tail end of the campaign. Gainwell is on track to become a highly compensated free agent. The Steelers may need to commit a significant amount of money.
Re-signing the veteran running back will be a challenge for Pittsburgh after it re-signed Jaylen Warren last offseason.
Paying two running backs could lead to tricky results, especially with Kaleb Johnson waiting in the wings for an opportunity. Gainwell has been outstanding and deserves a pay raise after the season; however, if he departs Pittsburgh as a free agent, he should at least net the team a compensatory pick.
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Kyle Dugger, S
General Manager Omar Khan only made one significant move before the trade deadline, and it's been a good one. After losing DeShon Elliott earlier in the year, Khan landed Kyle Dugger in a trade with the New England Patriots. Their AFC rival found a way to make the financial gymnastics work, and thus, Pittsburgh won't have to pay him beyond this season. It's a gamble that is paying dividends.
Dugger has found his game with the Steelers' defense as his role continues to expand. Is he a terrific player? No. However, he is a player the club could rely on to help stabilize the secondary. Losing Elliott could've been back-breaking, but Dugger is providing strong play. He is a pending free agent, and if the Steelers can re-sign him at a reasonable price, it would be a mutually beneficial outcome.
Isaac Seumalo, OG
He continues to get older and struggle with injuries from time to time, but losing Isaac Seumalo would be a tough pill to swallow. He is a fantastic veteran to have around a young offensive line as they continue to grow into something special. If they fail to re-sign him, they will need to identify an adequate replacement.
While replacing a pending free agent is possible, it will not be an easy task.
Seumalo might not be a Pro Bowler-type, but he has shown he is a guy willing to do the dirty work with no expectation of praise. This season has been one of his best since joining the Steelers in 2023. He has struggled to stay healthy throughout a season during his time in Pittsburgh, but maybe they could agree to a new deal. It would be beneficial to help the young offensive line stay on its path.