The Pittsburgh Steelers underwent major changes to their coaching staff this offseason. Now they will aim to build the 2026 roster in alignment with new head coach Mike McCarthy's vision. This starts with a strong showing in free agency. With ample salary cap space to work with and a young foundation of players, the Steelers could finally be on track to usher in long-awaited playoff success.
Pittsburgh's front office has tended to play it safe in free agency, but we saw general manager Omar Khan get aggressive with several notable moves in 2025. Without any highly coveted players hitting the market this year, the Steelers should be able to improve the core of their roster while minimizing significant losses during the 2026 offseason.
This offseason has already been a wild ride since the departure of former head coach Mike Tomlin. Now McCarthy's new staff is in place, and Pittsburgh could be gearing up to fill its biggest roster holes. Consider this your one-stop shop for everything related to the Steelers in free agency.
On This Page:
- Free-agency snapshot
- Major Steelers signings
- Departures:
- Potential Departures to watch
- Best targets remaining
- More free-agency coverage
Free-agency snapshot
- Cap space remaining:Â $40,112,382
- Biggest signing:Â TBD
- Biggest departure:Â Jonnu Smith
- Most surprising move:Â TBD
- Biggest remaining need:Â Quarterback
- Last updated:Â 2:30 pm. ET, March 5, 2026
Quarterback is not only the most important position in football, but it also happens to be the Steelers' biggest positional need for the 2026 offseason. With Aaron Rodgers hitting free agency and being vocally non-commital about his NFL future, the Steelers have only veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard to turn to at the position.
The Steelers have enough cap space to get into a bidding war for one of the top candidates on a shallow QB market or to pursue a depth signing at quarterback while looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Major Steelers signings
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not announced any major signings, nor have they announced players returning on new contracts for the 2026 season. We'll keep you posted when they do.
Departures:
Jonnu Smith, TE (per Adam Schefter, ESPN)
Adam Schefter reported Thursday that the Steelers have released tight end Jonnu Smith. This roster move frees up $7 million in salary cap space, which could be used to bolster the offensive line or wide receiver room.
Smith's lone season in Pittsburgh was nothing short of a disaster. Joining the team in the Jalen Ramsey deal with the Dolphins, the veteran tight end averaged a mere 5.8 yards per reception and 4.1 yards per target last season.
Smith's departure from the team could mean a higher focus on getting Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington involved in 2026. The Steelers could look to add a depth signing in free agency at tight end to round out the positional group.
Potential Departures to watch
Aaron Rodgers, QB, UFA
Just like this time last offseason, Aaron Rodgers is perfectly content leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in the dark. The 42-year-old quarterback hasn't made a decision on his future or gone as far as to commit to playing in 2026. General manager Omar Khan made it clear that the ball is in Rodgers' court.
Despite aiding the Steelers to a 10-7 record in 2025, the market for Rodgers in free agency could be small, considering his lack of mobility and play-making ability down the field at this stage of his career. Retirement could be looming.
Isaac Seumalo, G, UFA
Isaac Seumalo proved to be an excellent addition to the Steelers since inking a three-year contract with Pittsburgh in 2023. Now an unrestricted free agent and set to enter his age-33 season, a mutually parting could be at hand.
Seumalo has been one of the better and more consistent guards in the league when healthy. The veteran could land one more sizable payday this offseason, perhaps with a contending team.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, UFA
The Steelers got their money's worth on Kenneth Gainwell's contract, and Khan expressed he'd love to have the veteran running back return for the 2026 season. However, after earning over 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2025, there's no reason for Gainwell not to test the free-agent market.
Gainwell could return to Pittsburgh to work in tandem with Jaylen Warren. But money speaks, and other teams might be willing to offer more for his services as a rotational running back.
Calvin Austin III, WR, UFA
Calvin Austin III entered the 2025 season in the limelight as the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver after a promising 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, Austin's limitations were on full display as he recorded just 372 yards in 14 games. Meanwhile, the Steelers are looking to improve their wide receiver room, and Austin's skill set isn't what Mike McCarthy typically looks for.
Even with his struggles last season, speed and youth at receiver are hard to come by in free agency. Thanks to Austin's punt-return ability, several teams could be willing to outbid the Steelers for the price tag they'd be willing to pay Austin in 2026.
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, UFA
The Steelers threw a dart on Asante Samual Jr. during the 2025 season, as the 2021 second-round pick of the LA Rams was coming off spinal fusion surgery. Despite high hopes of a rebound, Samuel started just three of six games while logging an interception.
Pittsburgh could look to retain Samuel, as their depth at cornerback is razor-thin. But with new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Samuel may not fit what the team is looking for.
James Pierre, CB, UFA
After fighting for scraps on the Steelers since 2020 as an undrafted free agent, James Pierre had the best season of his career in 2025. Pierre displayed consistent lockdown coverage when called upon and was promoted to a starting role as the boundary cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. after the team released underwhelming veteran Darius Slay.
Despite his excellent performance, Pierre has just 13 NFL starts and will turn 30 years old this season. This could limit the contract he might receive on the open market. Still, teams that watched his tape last year should be interested in acquiring his services in free agency.
Best targets remaining
Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers
It's unlikely the Pittsburgh Steelers will have the determination to match the top-of-the-market offers teams could throw at the feet of Malik Willis in free agency, but this is the best quarterback with the most upside in free agency. And considering McCarthy doesn't have a starting signal-caller that we are aware of, it only makes sense to pursue Willis.
Despite recording just six NFL starts in his first four seasons, Willis improved every time he saw the field—especially since landing with the Green Bay Packers. Willis checks the boxes for arm talent, mobility, youth, and upside. He could be the most costly risk in free agency this year, but it's hard to compete without a quarterback.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals ahead of free agency and is looking for a new home in 2026. Though Murray has struggled over the past four years—both with on-field performance and the ability to stay healthy—he's a worthwhile gamble.
Because the Cardinals are still paying Murray's lofty 2026 salary, Murray could sign a veteran minimum contract with a team like the Steelers at a discounted rate of just $1.3 million. Murray is a true reclamation project, and at 28, there's a chance he turns his career around.
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
There are only a handful of young, productive wide receivers in free agency worth pursuing this offseason, and Alec Pierce is one of them. Pierce is coming off a second straight season of leading the NFL in yards per reception while averaging an outstanding 11.9 yards per target since 2024.
Admittedly, Pierce and DK Metcalf may not be the perfect match due to their overlapping skill sets. However, receiver talent is hard to come by. Pierce will fetch a massive contract in free agency, but the Steelers need to throw their hat in the ring for the 25-year-old WR after another year filled with struggles at the position.
Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
Not every 6'2'' cornerback project turns out like Jaylen Watson. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, they didn't have the funds to keep the 2022 seventh-round pick around on a new deal. Watson might be the best cornerback on the market when you consider both his age (27) and the quality of play he offered his previous team.
Watson would make an excellent pairing with Joey Porter Jr., and new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham would love his ability as a run defender. Watson could still have his best years ahead of him.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, New York Jets
The Steelers aren't afraid to gamble on talented players with extensive injury histories under Khan (like Asante Samuel Jr., Cory Trice Jr., and Payton Wilson). So signing Alijah Vera-Tucker becomes particularly intriguing. The 14th overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft dealt with a slew of injuries since coming into the league, including missing the entire 2025 season with a triceps injury.
Still, Vera-Tucker has always been excellent when on the field. At just 26 years old, the injury-plagued guard could still have his best football ahead of him (if he can stay on the field). He would offer a veteran presence to the offensive line.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Romeo Doubs is a player who has shown up in Steelers trade rumors for the past two years. Now that he's an unrestricted free agent, Pittsburgh could bid on his services. While Doubs won't be as coveted as fellow wide receiver Alec Pierce in free agency, he's got a skill set that Coach McCarty could fall in love with.
At nearly 6'2'' and 201 pounds with 32 1/4'' arms, Doubs has a sturdy frame and the grit to do the dirty work over the middle of the field. The 25-year-old could be a sneaky priority for the Steelers in free agency.
Braxton Jones, OT, Chicago Bears
Braxton Jones hasn't played a full season since his rookie year in 2022, but that's likely why the Chicago Bears allowed him to test the free-agent market this offseason. Jones played just six games in 2025 before suffering a serious knee injury.
Jones was aiming for a comeback late in the season, so he should be on track to participate in offseason workouts on a potential new team in free agency. Meanwhile, Steelers' left tackle Broderick Jones (no relation) required spinal fusion after suffering a season-ending neck injury, and he might not be ready for the start of the year. Braxton Jones would be an excellent free-agent gamble.