It’s safe to say that the general consensus from Pittsburgh Steelers fans is that the first wave of free agency was a success. Omar Khan made multiple splash moves, including trading for
Michael Pittman Jr, signing
Jamel Dean and
Rico Dowdle, and re-signing
Asante Samuel Jr. And while he and the Steelers have done a tremendous job, holes remain on the roster after the first wave of free agency, and these are the four most notable positions of need.
Quarterback
We’ll get the obvious and most exhausting position when it comes it comes to Pittsburgh out of the way first. After the first few days of free agency, we still don’t know who the Steelers’ quarterback will be. We do know, however, some names it
won’t be. Malik Willis, Geno Smith, and Tua Tagovailoa all have new teams. Willis signed a three-year deal with the Miami Dolphins that will pay him just over $22 million per year, while Smith was dealt to the New York Jets and Tua is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, and Kirk Cousins are the most notable veteran free agent names available, while Anthony Richardson remains a potential trade target.
Safety
The Steelers signed Darnell Savage, but he will be a depth piece more than anything. He played for three teams a season ago and was signed to a one-year deal – this isn’t the only move they will make at the position, especially because they only have three safeties on the depth chart. There aren’t many starting-caliber safeties available after the first wave. Jaquan Brisker is the most notable name, and would be a welcome addition, but the draft is also very deep when it comes to safety. I would expect the Steelers to take one early.
Wide receiver
Even after the trade for Pittman, the Steelers have just four receivers on the roster – DK Metcalf, Pittman, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek. Considering Wilson’s lackluster first two seasons in Pittsburgh, as well as the fact that Skowronek is a special teamer first and foremost, the Steelers are far from done at the position. The good news is that there are several quality veterans available that would slot in as quality WR3 or WR4 options. Christian Kirk, Hollywood Brown, Jauan Jennings are all names to watch, but I’d say keep an eye on Jalen Tolbert. He had his best season under Mike McCarthy in 2024, catching 49 passes and seven touchdowns. I wouldn’t be shocked in the least if he ends up in Pittsburgh.
Left guard
It was expected that Isaac Seumalo would leave in free agency, and he did so by signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Spencer Anderson would be slated to be the starting left guard as it currently stands, and the Steelers have no depth at any position up front. Andrus Peat, Max Scharping, Jack Driscoll, and Ryan McCollum are all free agents. Like safety, interior offensive line will almost certainly be addressed in the early portion of the NFL Draft.
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