The NFL has just announced an increase in the salary cap by at least $22 million. With the cap rising annually due to various streaming deals and revenue boosts, teams now have more financial flexibility to enhance their rosters. For the Steelers, who already rank among the top ten teams in cap space, this increase means they will gain at least an additional $22 million.
With a few strategic moves, they can further expand their cap room and strengthen their roster even more.
The NFL today informed teams that the 2025 per-team salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million, way up from last year's $255.4 million. Cap will have increased by more than $53 million over the last two years.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 19, 2025
The Steelers have plenty of room to enhance their roster and the financial flexibility to extend T.J. Watt while pursuing some big-name free agents without breaking the bank. With the team looking for a quarterback and wide receiver, their moves may not come cheap, but it suggests we could see Pittsburgh more active in free agency than we have in years.
Steelers could make a splash in free agency with extra salary cap space
Alongside the need for a quarterback and multiple quality wide receivers, it’s likely they’ll also target a pair of cornerbacks and a defensive lineman, as well as additional depth on the offensive line. Given how Omar Khan has managed the offseason since becoming GM, this free agency period is shaping up to be particularly busy for the Steelers and their fans.
The team is eager to improve and finally break free from their postseason win drought. This year, expect the Steelers to be one of the most aggressive teams in free agency, especially after last year’s struggles to secure significant playmakers.
In just under a month, the legal tampering period will commence from March 10 at 12 p.m. to March 12 at 4 p.m. ET. During this time, teams will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with unrestricted free agents.
After March 12 at 4 p.m., teams will officially be able to sign players. Expect a few more Steelers to potentially be released before free agency begins as the team works to create as much cap space as possible.