Training camp is still almost two months away from the time of writing this article. Plenty of players on the roster will be searching for new deals between now and the conclusion of training camp.
Normally, the Steelers only negotiate during their time up at Latrobe, besides a few exceptions to that rule. We will see how Pittsburgh handles certain contracts that are nearing the end.
It would create high drama if the Steelers re-signed Jaylen Warren now
Could you imagine the headlines in Pittsburgh if the Steelers re-signed Jaylen Warren during training camp instead of Najee Harris? He is a solid second running back behind Harris, but he is also seeking his deal as he will be a restricted free agent after this season.
Warren is younger and has shown more explosiveness behind Harris. It seems like Pittsburgh has a decision to make on which back to keep. One would have to imagine Warren would be cheaper, and he still has more longevity in his career ahead of him.
Cam Heyward will probably end his holdout at training camp
It is only a matter of time until Cam Heyward reports to the Steelers. He held out of OTAs in hopes of getting a contract extension. Giving him a new deal would bring some concerns with it because of his age. Heyward has been terrific in Pittsburgh and should be a big piece to the team this season.
Expect the Steelers to sign him to a contract extension between now and the start of training camp. Heyward will finish his career with the black and gold.
The Steelers could look to secure Pat Freiermuth before he breaks out
Another potential gamble for Pittsburgh could be re-signing Pat Freiermuth to an extension during training camp. He has struggled with injuries during his career to this point and hasn't produced great numbers for a couple of years.
Freiermuth could be a man on a mission this season as he tries to cash in. The Steelers could always try and get ahead of things and re-sign their top tight end to a two to three-year contract that would be cheaper than what he would get in free agency next year.
James Daniels could get a contract extension if his numbers make sense
We will see what happens with James Daniels regarding his future with the Steelers. The club just drafted Mason McCormick in this past draft, so they do have a fallback option to start if needed. Daniels has been solid since signing with Pittsburgh a couple of years ago.
The guard market has been high in recent years, so that could mean Daniels will be on his way out if he cannot provide a reasonable number for the team to consider.
All the speculation could end between the Steelers and Najee Harris
Many who follow the team were a bit surprised that the Steelers declined Harris's fifth-year option. It wasn't an expensive avenue to keep him for another year as the team's starter, but they decided against it.
Pittsburgh has to figure out what to do at running back as Harris is scheduled to become a free agent and Warren is almost a restricted free agent. Harris would need to return at a reasonable contract number during training camp, or he will probably be off the team this time next year.