Few people are paying close attention to the free agents still available around the league as the NFL Draft approaches. The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold 12 picks in the upcoming draft, though many expect them to package some of those selections to trade up at various points. If the Steelers are unable to address all of their most pressing needs in the draft, they could turn to free agency.
The good news is that Pittsburgh still has a solid amount of salary cap space to work with.
According to OverTheCap.com, the Steelers currently have approximately $27.05 million available. That figure will decrease once Aaron Rodgers is signed and will shrink further after the team finalizes contracts for its draft class. However, Pittsburgh has enough flexibility through potential contract restructures and other cap maneuvers that, if needed, it could still pursue additional free agents.
Pittsburgh Steelers have several free agents they could target following the NFL Draft
Taylor Decker, OT
The Steelers have shown interest in several offensive tackles in the upcoming NFL Draft, which could lead to an early investment at the position. However, if Pittsburgh fails to add an offensive tackle and has concerns about Broderick Jones’s availability, the team should consider adding a free agent. Taylor Decker stands out as an option and could be the Steelers’ top remaining target in free agency.
Failing to address the need at left tackle would place significant pressure on Jones and his ability to return quickly from a serious neck injury.
While Decker is 32 years old, he has consistently proven to be a reliable option at left tackle. If Pittsburgh is unable to fill that need during the draft, he should become a top post‑draft priority. Decker would serve as an excellent fallback option, though he is likely to draw interest from multiple teams across the league.
Elandon Roberts, LB
It is somewhat surprising that Elandon Roberts remains available in free agency. While he may not stand out as a game‑changing talent, there are few linebackers in the NFL who play with more physicality than he does. Pittsburgh has shown interest in several inside linebackers throughout the pre‑draft process, and the team could choose to select one early in the draft.
Patrick Queen has been the subject of ongoing trade rumors, making it possible that the Steelers move him, draft a linebacker, and still consider reuniting with Roberts. The veteran free agent previously played for Pittsburgh from 2023 to 2024 and also spent last season with the Raiders under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. He remains a viable option for the Steelers.
Joel Bitonio, OG
Shoring up the offensive line is a priority the Steelers must address before training camp begins. With Rodgers likely returning as the team’s quarterback, protecting him becomes even more critical given his age. Pittsburgh added Brock Hoffman earlier in free agency, and Spencer Anderson remains a potential starting option.
While the Steelers hope to address this need in the NFL Draft, there are no guarantees.
One notable free agent who remains available is Joel Bitonio. He is 34 years old and will turn 35 in October, which raises the possibility that he could choose to retire rather than sign with a new team. The Steelers are familiar with Bitonio from his 11 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Throughout his career, he has built a résumé worthy of Hall of Fame consideration as a left guard.
Jeff Okudah, CB
The secondary is an area the organization has focused on retooling throughout the offseason. Pittsburgh added Jaquan Brisker and Jamel Dean to strengthen the group and also brought back Asante Samuel Jr. It is currently one of the team’s stronger units and could improve during the draft. The Steelers have shown significant pre‑draft interest in both safety and cornerback prospects.
At times, the NFL Draft does not provide the opportunity to address every roster need, which could push the Steelers toward a free‑agent option such as Jeff Okudah. He could help round out the cornerback room by adding an experienced player who is still relatively young. While Okudah is a former first‑round pick who has not lived up to expectations and has been relegated to depth roles.
Taysom Hill, TE
While tight end may not appear to be a critical position of need, it is worth monitoring as the draft approaches. The Steelers have shown some interest in the position, particularly with a vacancy remaining after Connor Heyward departed in free agency.
If Pittsburgh is unable to secure a prospect to fill the third spot on the depth chart during the NFL Draft, several intriguing free‑agent options could become worth watching.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has emphasized his desire for players who can contribute beyond their primary positional roles, and Taysom Hill fits that mold perfectly. Originally entering the league as a quarterback, Hill has since developed into one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons. Although he is now older, he remains capable of contributing in different positions.
Ashtyn Davis, S
After losing Miles Killebrew in free agency, Pittsburgh must try to replace one of the best special teams players in the NFL. The Steelers have shown significant interest in adding a safety during the NFL Draft, but plans could change in a hurry. They already addressed the need with some free agent additions, so that need could be pushed onto the back burner.
Players at the bottom of the roster must excel on special teams to earn a spot on the final 53‑man roster coming out of training camp.
Ashtyn Davis makes a lot of sense as a post‑draft free‑agent fallback option. He is one of the stronger special teams contributors available and could compete for one of the final spots on the depth chart. While Davis would face an uphill battle to make the roster, he could ultimately help round out the group nicely.
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