Mar 08, 2026
3 min read
Using Daniel Popper's top 150 free agents as a guide, we highlight a few players who make sense at critical positions for the Steelers.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted Omar Khan to general manager in May 2022, a franchise long known for its design-and-development approach began to evolve.
In 2023, Khan made Isaac Seumalo one of the highest-paid outside free agents in team history with a three-year, $24 million deal that was part of an unusually busy free agency period.In 2024, Khan made defenseman Patrick Queen by far the highest-paid outside free agent with a three-year, $41 million deal.Last year, the Steelers were one of the biggest stories of the offseason, highlighted by the DK Metcalf trade and subsequent four-year, $132 million extension.
As Monday's trade deadline approaches, Khan and the Steelers are in prime position to make a splash.According to Over the Cap , the Steelers have about $40 million in cap space, the ninth-most in the league — which will increase to more than $47 million once Jonoo Smith is officially released.
I recommend Daniel Popper's updated Top 150 Free Agent Ranking, which includes a detailed description and projected salary of every top free agent on the market.Using this as a guide, let's highlight some players who could make sense for the Steelers at key positions.The biggest needs, as I see it, are at quarterback, receiver, offensive guard, backup Kenneth Gainwell, safety and cornerback.
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (age 42): As I reported on Monday, many Steelers throughout the organization believe the QB's decision is coming soon and that he will likely return to Pittsburgh for another season.But it's always a dangerous game to assume you know what Rodgers is going to do (or when he's going to do it), so no one wants to talk in definitive terms until he puts pen to paper.Popper's projected contract: One year, $12.5 million
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (28): On Tuesday, the Cardinals told the 2019 No.1 and will be released next week when the new league year begins.The main selling point for Murray is salary.As with Russell Wilson a few years ago, amnesty is built into Murray's contract, meaning he is at least available to veterans.The Warts seem too important to ignore, and the Steelers seem intent on welcoming Rodgers back.But we will include Murray in this list and let anyone argue about him in the statement.My expected contract: One year, around $1.3 million
Malik Willis, Green Bay Packers (26): Four years ago, Willis, then an NFL draft prospect, was eating chicken wings with Mike Tomlin amid speculation that he might be the QB to succeed Ben Roethlisberger.The Steelers are still searching for Big Ben's successor as Willis re-enters the conversation (after two teams).The Willis model is short and the Rodgers decision overrules this option entirely.Popper's projected contract: Two years, $46 million
The need for receivers is clear.After Metcalf, the Steelers have only Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek on the roster.They will use a combination of free agency and the draft to fill out the depth chart.
Romeo Doubs, Packers (25): Doubs thrives on slides, hatches and other routes with Rodgers' ability.Knowing them until 2022 won't hurt either.Popper's projected contract: four years, $61 million
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers (28): Pairing Metcalf with the 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver would be an interesting combination of size and texture.Something very similar?Popper's expected contract: Three years, $42 million
Rasheed Shahid, Seattle Seahawks (27): The Steelers had some level of interest in Shahid at the trade deadline before the Seahawks traded him away.An electric returner and Swiss Army knife on offense, he's a menace with the ball in his hands.Popper's estimated contract: three years, $39 million
Calvin Austin III, Steelers (26): Although the 5-foot-9 Austin looks like a model slot, he is more diverse.His relationship with Rodgers has shown momentum, including the win in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.He may not have answered WR2 questions last year, but as a WR3 and back process, he was worth it.Popper's Expected Contract: $ 33 Million for Three Years
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (32): At one point, Hill was one of the NFL's most explosive wide receivers.However, he is now 32 and struggling with a serious knee injury.These concerns will put off some teams, and will also significantly lower his price.For the right price, the Steelers might consider it.Popper's projected contract: One year, $5 million
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (33): The Steelers enjoyed a veteran receiver matchup with Rodgers, so Allen deserves to be at least on this list.He is a good runner who understands the territory.But do the Steelers want to go with another player at this age?Popper's contract plan: $9 million a year
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (32): His age will give some teams pause, but guys in their 30s seem to be the Steelers' type these days.In all seriousness, a veteran who understands the nuances of coverage could make sense for a QB who likes that style.He's actually the highest earner on Popper's list, but I put him here because it seems less likely.Will he be willing to go where he will make the most money or will he just be “testing out” free agency to get a boost in Tampa Bay?Popper's expected contract: two years, $51 million
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (25): It remains to be seen if Pierce will either hit free agency or if the Cubs can make a deal.He would command a great deal of money not to have directors.It's also fair to say that Pierce is more of a threat downfield than Rodgers as an underground runner.It will certainly be an impressive move for a player who will turn 26 this spring.Popper's projected contract: four years, $102 million
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (26): Last year, Rodgers said his goal was to deliver "Kenny G."Mission accomplished.One of the best deals in the league last year, Gainwell is in line for a big raise over the one-year, $1.8 million contract he signed in 2025. Especially when Rodgers returns, it makes a lot of sense.Gainwell could be more important in Mike McCarthy's offense.addition.Popper's projected contract: two years, $10 million
Other names to know: If the Steelers can't re-sign Gainwell, there's an argument to be made that Jalen Warren and Caleb Johnson are the only players with a chance to punch one or two and develop a room-filling third down.If you want a more physical running back, Rico Doodle, Kareem Hunt, and Isaiah Pacheco fit that mold.If you want a Gainwell-type player, you may have to wait until the draft.
It's not flashy, but after QB and WR, guard is probably the Steelers' biggest need in free agency.Spencer Anderson could be part of the conversation, but the Steelers could still use the starting draft if they want to continue developing right off the bat.
Isaac Seumalo, Steelers (32): Seumalo, the Steelers' first-round pick three years ago, is now a 32-year-old free agent after missing seven games over the past two seasons.Popper's contract: Two years, $28 million
Zion Johnson, Chargers (26): While he can play on both sides of the line, left guard is his best position, which is exactly what the Steelers need.Johnson's strength is in run blocking, but he is relatively solid in pass protection.Popper's projected contract: four years, $68 million.
Names you should know more about: Popper has done a great job of evaluating all guard options in detail.If you want to learn more about this position group, we recommend checking out his complete rankings.His top options after those two are David Edwards of the Buffalo Bills, Dalton Risner of the Cincinnati Bengals, and John Simpson of the New York Jets.There are also a few former Cleveland Browns players, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, whom Tomlin once called "the best guard tandem in the league."
Not long ago, it looked like the Steelers' transformation in the trenches would be complete when Broderick Jones developed under a new staff and the team turned to a young guard in the draft.Now Jones' uncertain injury status has added a curveball.The problem with free agency: (1) There aren't many starters capable of catching and (2) they mostly play right.
Rasheed Walker, Packers (26): Not long ago, a big tackle for a top tackle.It won't be difficult for the Steelers, who have already invested two first-round picks in the position.It appears to be a deal that might be beyond Pittsburgh's budget, but it's worth including on this list if wanting to buy a long-term answer now.Popper's projected contract: 4 years, $82 million.
Jamaree Salyer, Chargers (25): The Chargers tried to make Salyer a guard at several points, but he did better as a tackle.He made 14 starts at left tackle in 2022 and five in 2025. A fringe starter, he could help fill the gap until Jones returns or the Steelers find a longer option.Popper's expected contract: two years, $8 million
Fred Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles (28): Johnson started eight games last year.He's big at 6-7 and 326 pounds.If the Steelers are looking for competition instead of a clear-cut starter, he could make sense.Popper's projected contract: Three years, $18 million
Yush Najman, Carolina Panthers (30): Although he's never been a full-time starter, Najman has experience as a backup on both ends.He would be a good fit ahead of Dylan Cook on the depth chart.Popper's expected contract: Three years, $18 million
Cam Robinson, Browns (30): He played left tackle for the Browns last year.Given his age and average value, he could stick around for a year or two.Popper's expected contract: one year, $10.5 million
Safety was a revolving door for the Steelers, trying to deal with the situation on the fly in the past.They need to come up with a solid plan this year.They already have a safety in the physical box of DeShon Elliott;the requirement is pure safety free.If they sign someone they can trust at every position, Jalen Ramsey could play a big role at nickel.
Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears (32): No player has more interceptions than Byard since entering the league in 2018. He could still play after posting a league-leading seven INTs last year. Popper's proposed contract: Two years, $25 million
Coby Bryant, Seahawks (26): Bryant's experience as a cornerback shows, making him a good free safety candidate.Popper's contract: Three years, $30 million
Kam Curl, Los Angeles Rams (26): Still young, flexible and versatile, Curl could fit in many spots in the Steelers' secondary now and in the future.Popper's projected contract: Four years, $65 million
Reed Blankenship, Eagles (27): It seems like an annual tradition for the Steelers to get some former Eagles to hit the road and drive through Penn State.Blankenship took a step back last year, but he started on the Super Bowl team in 2024 and had seven INTs during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.Popper's expected contract: Four years, $42 million
Jalen Thompson, Cardinals (27): The 5-11, 190-pound corner brings room in the post and some man-marking traits to be an interchangeable piece. Popper's projected contract: Four years, $61 million
Other names to know: Bryan Cook of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jaylin Hawkins of the New England Patriots.
It is possible that the Steelers could extend the contract of Joey Porter Jr.this offseason, but they still need a reliable starter against him.They had early discussions with their pending players (James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr.).It's certainly possible they could fill this position by re-signing one (or both) and drafting a cornerback.It's hard to fill.Will they prefer long, compressed corners like previous sticks or switch to DBs who thrive in the zone?
Eric Stokes, Las Vegas Raiders (27): Stokes, the Packers' No. 1 pick in 2021, played well in new Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's scheme last year in Las Vegas.He's due for a raise after a one-year, $3.5 million tryout, and you have to wonder if he'll follow Graham to Pittsburgh.Popper's expected contract: Two years, $20 million
Asante Samuel Jr., Steelers (26): Not every team will medically clear Samuel, which would depress his market value.The Steelers could use him to bring back a young player who was once promising before spinal fusion surgery.Popper's estimated contract: one year, $5.5 million.
James Pierre, Steelers (29): A member of the Steelers organization met with Pierre's agent in Indianapolis.Pierre is best suited as a third cornerback who can compete for a bigger role.Signing him and then drafting a corner gives the Steelers a short and long term plan.Does not appear in the top 150 of poppers
