Offseason Preview: Addressing Steelers’ Positional Needs
With the departure of Mike Tomlin, Omar Khan will have his most interesting offseason since becoming Pittsburgh Steelers general manager in 2022.
Whether it would starters, or depth options, the Steelers must address several holes. Let’s breakdown each position of need.
Quarterback
Given the strong, unlikelihood of Aaron Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh, a starting quarterback will be atop the list. Free agent options could include Joe Flacco and Malik Willis. Should the Steelers select a QB in Round 1 of this year’s draft, it’s not unrealistic that Flacco becomes a placeholder at the position.
Running back:
2025 was another productive season for Jaylen Warren. Complimenting him was Kenneth Gainwell, who turned into a valuable piece of the Steelers offense. Set to be an unrestricted free agent, Gainwell is expected to earn a healthy payday this offseason. The Steelers should make it a priority to re-sign the 26-year-old tailback.
Wide receivers:
DK Metcalf and a ton of question marks at the wide receiver position. It’s no secret that Omar Khan has failed to properly address a WR2 over the past couple seasons. He will need to in the offseason; either by trade or free agency. Speaking of the latter, Calvin Austin III is a UFA. It wouldn’t be a shock if Pittsburgh brought him back as a slot option (WR3). They might also look to add a WR in the draft - perhaps as early in the first round.
Offensive line:
There isn’t much to address on the Steelers offensive line, with Dylan Cook and Troy Fautanu as the starting tackles, Zach Frazier at center, and Mason McCormick at right guard. The left guard spot needs to be filled, as Isaac Seumalo will become a UFA. I would anticipate the Steelers to sign a veteran free agent LG. While they do have depth pieces, such as Broderick Jones and Spencer Anderson, Andrus Peat likely won’t return, so another reserve OL could be taken care of in the later rounds of the draft.
Defensive line:
Pittsburgh’s D-line appears to be set up well heading into next season. Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, and Keeanu Benton are the projected starters. Yahya Black also displayed flashes of potential as a rookie. Much like the O-line, the other side of the trenches will probably involve a depth option being addressed at some point of the draft in April.
Inside linebackers:
Payton Wilson has been emerging as the Steelers’ eventual top inside linebacker. Veteran ILB Patrick Queen, who carries a hefty cap hit of $17.1 million in 2026, is very much a cap casualty candidate; unless he decides to take a significant pay cut to return. Cole Holcomb is as good as gone. As for Malik Harrison, he could be brought back as a more inexpensive option compared to Queen. My guess is the Steelers would sign a pair of ILBs.
Secondary:
Outside of Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott, Pittsburgh’s secondary definitely seems to have more questions than answers. After all, they finished the ‘25 season allowing the third most passing yards in the league. After struggling immensely as an outside CB, Jalen Ramsey was moved to free safety midway through the year, where he performed somewhat better. Ramsey has a $17.2 million dollar cap hit for next season. Similar to Patrick Queen, Ramsey would have to accept a pay cut in order to return. If not, the Steelers would most likely attempt to trade Ramsey for some type of draft capital, while replacing him with a cheaper FS in the process. Although Brandin Echols is signed through ‘26, James Pierre, Chuck Clark, and Jabrill Peppers are all set to hit the open market. In regards to Kyle Dugger, it’s doubtful he will be in next season’s plans, as he was mainly traded for, because of the season-ending injury to Elliott.
Punter:
Corliss Waitman was tasked with the punting duties for the Steelers this season. In 17 games, Waitman was near the bottom of the league in average yards per punt; ranking 25th at 45.5. However, he managed to land 26 punts inside the 20, which were fifth most among AFC punters. Waitman will be a RFA in the offseason, so Pittsburgh could elect to re-sign him, or simply bring in a new punter.