Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers are only at their bye week through five weeks of NFL action, the remainder of the season could loom large. Many won't have their sights set on the offseason yet, since the team holds a 3-1 record, but it's never too early to look ahead. Some players who are pending free agents in 2026 could be playing their final games in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers currently have 19 unrestricted free agents scheduled to hit free agency once this season is over.
Some of those free agents are more important to retain than others. The rest of the season will also dictate who will return and who will leave. It's clear that General Manager Omar Khan has gone all-in this year, and it could result in countless changes this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty pending free agents who could leave in free agency
Isaac Seumalo, OG
Pittsburgh's offensive line is off to a rocky start this season, and Isaac Seumalo was expected to be its anchor. He's a veteran offensive lineman in his third year with the Steelers. He earns a handsome salary and has consistently demonstrated his reliability in the past.
This season has been a troubling start for the offensive guard, and with his age progressing further, he could be gone in free agency.
Currently, he is projected to have a market value of around $7 million per year on his next contract, which isn't too pricey. The franchise appears ready to continue its youth movement up front, and that could mean Seumalo is shown the door as a free agent. Unless he improves his performance, it's hard to imagine Khan offering him a long-term contract at top dollar.
Cole Holcomb, LB
He jumped up the depth chart in a hurry early in the season due to Malik Harrison going out with an injury. Payton Wilson has struggled against the run, which has allowed Cole Holcomb to jump onto the defense as a run thumper. Holcomb is back from a lengthy injury, which has been a fantastic story to witness. He just might not be the same player he used to be.
Holcomb could always be a free agent that the Steelers consider re-signing if he comes at a low cost and is willing to return on a short-term deal. He's a solid depth option with plenty of starting experience. Harrison's early injury derailed his start in Pittsburgh, which could also make him a potential cap casualty this offseason. Both Harrison and Holcomb must earn their next contracts.
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Calvin Austin III, WR
His recent injury setback is unfortunate, but Calvin Austin III should have a shot at redemption this season. He has done solid work in an expanded look this year, which could boost his stats. If he can compile respectable numbers, expect Austin to have a profitable market in free agency. Pittsburgh might not be willing to pay another receiver after DK Metcalf's lucrative deal.
It will be interesting to monitor how long Austin is out of the lineup and how it potentially affects him the rest of the campaign.
He has a ton of speed, but his lack of size has hindered him throughout his career thus far. The Steelers could always bring him back for cheap if he doesn't have much interest as a free agent, but it would be shocking if Austin doesn't make it to free agency.
Aaron Rodgers, QB
Unless things change, this will be Aaron Rodgers' last season playing in the NFL. The future Hall of Fame quarterback indicated that he signed a one-year deal with the Steelers with the intention of retiring at the end of the season. He will probably stick to that word, but it's not out of the question for a potential reunion with both parties if the rest of the season goes well.
Rodgers will be 42 years old in December, and that means he would be 43 by the time next season ends if Pittsburgh signed the pending free agent. He could always have other suitors in free agency if he's successful. Rodgers may no longer be the MVP-caliber gunslinger he once was, but he still brings intelligence and poise to the position. His time in Pittsburgh will be one year only.