The first week of free agency has come and gone, and a lot of players have already signed contracts for the upcoming season. However, there are still some intriguing options available. And even after several signings, the Steelers are likely not done adding to the roster.
If you're looking for more impactful additions -- outside of quarterback, of course -- you might be disappointed. But there are a few additions that could really help shape the roster for the 2025 season.
After the first slew of moves, the Steelers could still use help in a few areas. No need to worry about edge rusher or linebacker. Those two positions are deep. Tight end is pretty deep, too, though I wouldn't rule out another addition there. Running back has already been addressed through free agency in signing Kenneth Gainwell, and the next impactful move should be in the draft. There have been two additions at cornerback (Darius Slay, Brandin Echols), so that's no longer a pressing need.
As far as remaining needs, defensive tackle might be most pressing. It was already a need, but after releasing Larry Ogunjobi to clear $7 million in cap space, it should be thrust to the front of the line. The offensive line needs some depth, probably at least two signings -- one tackle and one interior lineman. Since Damontae Kazee is now a free agent, safety depth needs to be addressed. And, while there are plenty of bodies at wide receiver after adding DK Metcalf and re-signing Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller, another addition shouldn't be ruled out.
I'm not including quarterback in this. We know the Steelers are waiting out the Aaron Rodgers situation.
Here are a few remaining free agents that could make sense for the Steelers:
CALAIS CAMPBELL, DEFENSIVE TACKLE Age: 39 PFF projected contract: One year, $3 million
Don't be mistaken by Campbell's age. The dude has aged so well because his game has revolved around brute strength, and he's still very, very strong. He's still a stout run defender, which the Steelers need more of. This also doesn't block Keeanu Benton from kicking to the 5-technique on five-man fronts or keep the team from selecting a defensive tackle from a very strong draft class.
BRANDON SCHERFF, GUARD Age: 33 PFF projected contract: One year, $6 million
Scherff isn't the All-Pro he used to be, but he's still a capable starter at right guard. In case the Steelers don't want to fully commit to Mason McCormick as the unquestioned starter, signing Scherff could give them a starting option while McCormick provides depth -- what he was supposed to do as a rookie until James Daniels' Achilles injury forced him into action.
JEDRICK WILLS, JR., OFFENSIVE TACKLE Age: 26 PFF projected contract: One year, $4 million
Wills is a former 10th overall pick that has failed to live up to the expectation that comes with being drafted that high. On top of that, he's started just 12 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. But, the Steelers don't need a starting tackle. They have Troy Fautanu at right tackle and they need to let Broderick Jones sink or swim at left tackle. This move would give the Steelers a depth option while Wills could use the opportunity to prove himself in case Jones gets injured or is benched.
DIONTAE JOHNSON, WIDE RECEIVER Age: 29 PFF projected contract: One year, $3 million
I know everyone's going to vehemently reject the idea of a reunion with Johnson. Those concerns are warranted, and I'm not advocating for his return. Johnson's 2024 calendar year included a trade from the Steelers to the Panthers, a trade to the Ravens ahead of the trade deadline, getting waived, being picked up by the Texans, waived again, then brought back to Baltimore just so the Ravens could land a compensatory pick. However, a cheap contract could be interesting. We know what Johnson's capable of when his head is on straight, and the Steelers don't need him now. If there's any place where he could reset, it might be Pittsburgh.
DALTON RISNER, GUARD Age: 30 PFF projected contract: One year, $4.5 million
A back injury limited Risner to just 10 games and eight starts with the Vikings in 2024, but the Steelers wouldn't necessarily need him to start since they have McCormick and Isaac Seumalo. When healthy, Risner is a solid guard that can play either side. He's better at pass protection than he is in run blocking. But, he's a clean player, not taking a single penalty in 611 snaps last season.
TRYSTAN COLON, GUARD Age: 27 PFF projected contract: Two years, $6 million
Colon's a depth option, having started just 15 games over 51 career games with the Ravens and Cardinals. But, Colon's versatile, having the ability to play either guard position or center. In 1,031 career snaps, he's been penalized just five times and allowed only three sacks. I have a hard time finding a better option to replace Nate Herbig, who signed with the Commanders.
TYLER BOYD, WIDE RECEIVER Age: 30 PFF projected contract: One year, $1.98 million
The Steelers were tied to Boyd in free agency last year, but he wound up signing with the Titans. After a lackluster season in which he recorded the fewest receiving yards in a season since 2017, adding Boyd would only be an option to bolster depth, specifically in the slot. There should be no expectation for him to be the 1,000-yard receiver he was in Cincinnati, but could be a solid veteran option to compete for a roster spot. He might also be a good guy for Roman Wilson to learn from.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
6:10 pm - 03.16.2025DowntownRemaining options in free agency
The first week of free agency has come and gone, and a lot of players have already signed contracts for the upcoming season. However, there are still some intriguing options available. And even after several signings, the Steelers are likely not done adding to the roster.
If you're looking for more impactful additions -- outside of quarterback, of course -- you might be disappointed. But there are a few additions that could really help shape the roster for the 2025 season.
After the first slew of moves, the Steelers could still use help in a few areas. No need to worry about edge rusher or linebacker. Those two positions are deep. Tight end is pretty deep, too, though I wouldn't rule out another addition there. Running back has already been addressed through free agency in signing Kenneth Gainwell, and the next impactful move should be in the draft. There have been two additions at cornerback (Darius Slay, Brandin Echols), so that's no longer a pressing need.
As far as remaining needs, defensive tackle might be most pressing. It was already a need, but after releasing Larry Ogunjobi to clear $7 million in cap space, it should be thrust to the front of the line. The offensive line needs some depth, probably at least two signings -- one tackle and one interior lineman. Since Damontae Kazee is now a free agent, safety depth needs to be addressed. And, while there are plenty of bodies at wide receiver after adding DK Metcalf and re-signing Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller, another addition shouldn't be ruled out.
I'm not including quarterback in this. We know the Steelers are waiting out the Aaron Rodgers situation.
Here are a few remaining free agents that could make sense for the Steelers:
CALAIS CAMPBELL, DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Age: 39
PFF projected contract: One year, $3 million
Don't be mistaken by Campbell's age. The dude has aged so well because his game has revolved around brute strength, and he's still very, very strong. He's still a stout run defender, which the Steelers need more of. This also doesn't block Keeanu Benton from kicking to the 5-technique on five-man fronts or keep the team from selecting a defensive tackle from a very strong draft class.
BRANDON SCHERFF, GUARD
Age: 33
PFF projected contract: One year, $6 million
Scherff isn't the All-Pro he used to be, but he's still a capable starter at right guard. In case the Steelers don't want to fully commit to Mason McCormick as the unquestioned starter, signing Scherff could give them a starting option while McCormick provides depth -- what he was supposed to do as a rookie until James Daniels' Achilles injury forced him into action.
JEDRICK WILLS, JR., OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Age: 26
PFF projected contract: One year, $4 million
Wills is a former 10th overall pick that has failed to live up to the expectation that comes with being drafted that high. On top of that, he's started just 12 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. But, the Steelers don't need a starting tackle. They have Troy Fautanu at right tackle and they need to let Broderick Jones sink or swim at left tackle. This move would give the Steelers a depth option while Wills could use the opportunity to prove himself in case Jones gets injured or is benched.
DIONTAE JOHNSON, WIDE RECEIVER
Age: 29
PFF projected contract: One year, $3 million
I know everyone's going to vehemently reject the idea of a reunion with Johnson. Those concerns are warranted, and I'm not advocating for his return. Johnson's 2024 calendar year included a trade from the Steelers to the Panthers, a trade to the Ravens ahead of the trade deadline, getting waived, being picked up by the Texans, waived again, then brought back to Baltimore just so the Ravens could land a compensatory pick. However, a cheap contract could be interesting. We know what Johnson's capable of when his head is on straight, and the Steelers don't need him now. If there's any place where he could reset, it might be Pittsburgh.
DALTON RISNER, GUARD
Age: 30
PFF projected contract: One year, $4.5 million
A back injury limited Risner to just 10 games and eight starts with the Vikings in 2024, but the Steelers wouldn't necessarily need him to start since they have McCormick and Isaac Seumalo. When healthy, Risner is a solid guard that can play either side. He's better at pass protection than he is in run blocking. But, he's a clean player, not taking a single penalty in 611 snaps last season.
TRYSTAN COLON, GUARD
Age: 27
PFF projected contract: Two years, $6 million
Colon's a depth option, having started just 15 games over 51 career games with the Ravens and Cardinals. But, Colon's versatile, having the ability to play either guard position or center. In 1,031 career snaps, he's been penalized just five times and allowed only three sacks. I have a hard time finding a better option to replace Nate Herbig, who signed with the Commanders.
TYLER BOYD, WIDE RECEIVER
Age: 30
PFF projected contract: One year, $1.98 million
The Steelers were tied to Boyd in free agency last year, but he wound up signing with the Titans. After a lackluster season in which he recorded the fewest receiving yards in a season since 2017, adding Boyd would only be an option to bolster depth, specifically in the slot. There should be no expectation for him to be the 1,000-yard receiver he was in Cincinnati, but could be a solid veteran option to compete for a roster spot. He might also be a good guy for Roman Wilson to learn from.
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