We’re well into free agency, with most of the top players gone and most of the money spent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some splashes, but they probably aren’t done yet, as they still might not have a starting quarterback. This page will be updated with their moves and analysis and grades for each transaction.
Steelers additions
DT Daniel Ekuale (free agent): One-year deal
RB Kenneth Gainwell (free agent): One-year, $1.8 million deal
LB Malik Harrison (free agent): Two-year, $10 million deal
DT Isaiahh Loudermilk (re-signing): One-year deal
WR DK Metcalf (trade acquisition): Acquired for second-round pick and late-round swaps; five-year, $150 million deal
WR Scotty Miller (re-signing): One-year deal
DT Esezi Otomewo (free agent): One-year deal
DB James Pierre (re-signing): One-year deal
QB Mason Rudolph (free agent): Two-year, $8 million deal
WR Ben Skowronek (re-signing): Two-year, $4.5 million
CB Darius Slay (free agent): One-year, $10 million deal
S Juan Thornhill (free agent): One-year deal
Russell Wilson leaves for the Giants
Date: March 25
Impact (out of five): 3.5
Analysis: Another former Steelers quarterback is headed to New York. On Tuesday evening, Russell Wilson and the Giants agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $21 million with $10.5 million guaranteed, a league source told Dianna Russini.
After the Steelers benched Justin Fields amid a 4-2 start to the season and turned to Wilson, the move initially paid off so well that Mike Tomlin was receiving Coach of the Year buzz. Wilson, who played on a one-year, $1.2 million deal, led the Steelers to a 6-1 record in his first seven starts. Though his mobility had declined, Wilson still threw a great deep ball, which meshed well with George Pickens.
However, the feel-good season came to a screeching halt during a five-game losing streak. As teams game planned to take away the moonball and deployed two-high safety looks, Wilson often checked the ball down, and sacks became problematic. There was also some friction between offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the 13-year veteran QB.
Though the late-season collapse and the tenuous relationship with the offensive coordinator made another lap around the track feel unlikely, the Steelers publicly made it seem they were still quite interested in Wilson. Team president and owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan framed the decision as a Wilson versus Fields debate early in the offseason.
However, after Fields left for the Jets, it became clear that the Steelers might have been stringing Wilson along as a backup plan and, possibly, as leverage in their pre-free-agency negotiations with Fields to make it appear they had another option.
Although the Steelers still don’t have a quarterback, this move might bring the team closer to finding a veteran solution soon. Theoretically, Wilson signing with the Giants eliminates one of Aaron Rodgers’ possible destinations, or at least one of his suitors (although it’s unclear how seriously Rodgers considered the Giants). It also eliminates one fallback plan for the Steelers in the event Rodgers doesn’t sign with Pittsburgh. That said, the marriage between the Steelers and Rodgers appears more and more likely by the day.
Grade: B. Though it’s now fair to question the decision to sign Wilson and to turn to him in the middle of the season, there is a silver lining in this transaction. The Steelers have been loading up on compensatory picks. They’ll very likely collect at least a fifth-round comp pick in 2026 by losing Wilson in free agency. That could become as high as a third-round pick if Wilson plays most of the Giants’ snaps and hits his incentives.
Nick Korte of Over the Cap also projects the Steelers to receive a third-round comp pick for Dan Moore Jr., a fourth-rounder for Fields (which could rise depending on his playing time and incentives) and a sixth-round pick for James Daniels in 2026.
In that way, though neither Wilson nor Fields was the long-term answer at QB, both could still provide value. Perhaps those picks could be packaged in 2026 to move up in the first round and land a franchise quarterback.
Steelers bring back CB James Pierre
Date: March 20
Impact (out of five): 1.5
Analysis: The Steelers added more depth to their secondary on Thursday when they re-signed cornerback James Pierre to a one-year deal, the team announced.
Pierre, an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2020, spent his first four years in the NFL in Pittsburgh. He re-joined the Steelers for his second stint with the team last year after he was released by Washington. Initially on Pittsburgh’s practice squad, Pierre was eventually promoted to the active roster and appeared in 15 games, including two starts. He recorded 12 tackles and an interception. He provided depth behind Donte Jackson and Joey Porter Jr. and also settled into a special teams role as a gunner.
Grade: C. The Steelers know what they’re getting in Pierre. He slots in as probably the fourth CB on the depth chart behind starters Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay and third-year DB Cory Trice Jr. Pierre’s most immediate path to playing time is on special teams.
Steelers add more DL depth
Date: March 19
Impact (out of five): 1
The Steelers continue to take a quantity-over-quality approach on the defensive front, signing former Viking and Jaguar Esezi Otomewo to a one-year deal.
A 6-foot-5, 282-pound defensive tackle, Otomewo was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings in 2022. He appeared in five games as a rookie, making five tackles (one for loss). In 2023, he signed with the Jaguars’ practice squad. He returned to game action in 2024, appearing in four games.
Overall, the 26-year-old played just 179 defensive snaps over two seasons, recording nine tackles (one for loss), a half-sack and two QB hits.
Grade: D. This is a low-risk addition. Given his history, Otomewo will be one of the players trying to make the team out of camp. He might once again end up on the practice squad.
Isaiahh Loudermilk returns
Date: March 17
Impact (out of five): 1.5
Analysis: The Steelers continue to add defensive line depth, this time keeping one of their own. On Monday afternoon, Isaiahh Loudermilk and the Steelers agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The Steelers traded up in the fifth round to land Loudermilk out of Wisconsin in 2021. The 6-foot-7, 293-pounder played in a rotational role in his first four seasons but has never climbed the depth chart to become a true starter. He played a career-high 29 percent of snaps as a rookie. In the three years since, he’s been between 17 percent and 22 percent.
Grade: C-. Loudermilk is a fine depth piece but nothing more. Depending on how significantly the Steelers address this position in the draft, there’s no guarantee Loudermilk makes the 53-man roster out of camp, either.
Steelers find third safety
Date: March 17
Impact (out of five): 2.5
Analysis: The Steelers added another depth piece to their secondary on Monday, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with 29-year-old safety Juan Thornhill, according to multiple reports.
The Steelers already have their starting tandem in place with Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety and DeShon Elliott at strong safety. However, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin loves to use three safeties on the field together in various nickel and dime looks. With last year’s third safety (Damontae Kazee) still unsigned, Thornhill could be the one who fills that role.
The 6-foot, 205-pounder has appeared in 87 games (74 starts) over his six-year career. He’s been listed as both a strong safety and a free safety, which gives the Steelers some flexibility. He enjoyed the best year of his career in 2022 when he tied or set new personal bests in games started (16), interceptions (three), passes defended (nine) and tackles (71). He’s also familiar with the AFC North after playing with the Cleveland Browns the last two years.
Grade: C. In Thornhill, the Steelers have a bigger, more experienced, more versatile third safety. Time will tell how much they deploy their three-safety looks with the veteran on board.
Steelers add DL depth
Date: March 16
Impact (out of five): 1.5
Analysis: The Steelers added depth to their defensive line on Sunday evening when they agreed to terms with six-year veteran Daniel Ekuale. His agent, Blake Baratz, shared the news on social media.
Ekuale, a 6-3, 310-pound lineman, was a rotational player for the first five years of his career. He played between 24 and 46 percent of defensive snaps in those seasons and posted a career-best 14 tackles in 2022. Last year in New England, he took a significant step forward, starting 16 games, playing 722 defensive snaps (68 percent) and logging 52 tackles.
Grade: C. The Steelers lost one starter on the defensive line when they cut Larry Ogunjobi. Although the most likely scenario would see a first-round pick starting from Day 1, Ekuale is in the starting conversation for the moment, along with other depth pieces.
Nate Herbig leaves for Commanders
Date: March 14
Impact (out of five): 1
Former Steelers interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig is signing a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Herbig, who spent time with Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl in Philadelphia, joined Pittsburgh in 2023 as a depth piece on the offensive line. He started two games in 2023 and was taking first-team reps at center during training camp in 2024 before a shoulder injury ended his season.
Grade: C. Herbig was a role player in Pittsburgh and knew it. Though his brother, Nick, will miss him in the locker room, the Steelers can probably find a younger guard to fill this spot who doesn’t have the same injury history that Pittsburgh might be able to develop into a starter.
Steelers bring back Ben Skowronek
Date: March 13
Impact (out of five): 1.5
Analysis: After starting the week with a splash at wide receiver, the Steelers spent Thursday rounding out the room with depth pieces. Ben Skowronek has agreed to terms on a new deal, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The move gives the Steelers a WR that includes DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller and Skowronek.
The 6-foot-3 Skowronek is far from the flashiest name in that group. Actually, quite the opposite. However, this move makes sense, as he’s an excellent gunner on punt coverage who will have a role on the 53-man roster. Additionally, he’s a willing blocker (OC Arthur Smith affectionately referred to him last year as a “dirtbag”) and a bigger body than the small speedsters like Austin, Wilson and Miller.
Grade: B-. He’s not Metcalf, but Skowronek should play his way onto the roster.
Former 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk visits
Date: March 13
Impact (out of five): 2
Analysis: A Steelers team that wants to return to its ground-and-pound roots took another step in that direction Thursday, when former 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk visited the practice facility in Pittsburgh.
While the fullback has mostly been phased out of the modern game, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is one of the few who has embraced the position. From 2021 to 2023, with Smith as the head coach and play caller, the Falcons ranked second in 22 personnel usage (two backs, two tight ends) with 352 total plays and fourth in 21 personnel (two backs, one tight end) with 633 total plays, per TruMedia. The primary fullback in Atlanta, Keith Smith, played between 21 and 25 percent of offensive snaps in those three seasons.
While Juszczyk is now 33 and was released by San Francisco amid a salary-cap crunch, his addition would be a scheme fit.
Date: March 13
Impact: 3
Analysis: After a year in Tennessee, Mason Rudolph is returning to Pittsburgh, agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal, a league source told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
The move comes as the Steelers are still waiting to hear whether free agent QB Aaron Rodgers will join them. Rudolph will presumably be a backup, but he could be a fallback starting option if Rodgers signs elsewhere and Russell Wilson, who is visiting the Browns and Giants this week, does not return.
Rudolph, 29, spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Steelers before joining the Titans on a one-year deal last offseason. He started five games in Tennessee, going 1-4, and appeared in eight contests, totaling 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. Over five years with the Steelers, he went 8-4-1 as a starter, throwing for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, helping Pittsburgh reach the playoffs with a three-game win streak to close the 2023 regular season.
Grade: B+. When Rudolph rallied the Steelers to the playoffs in 2023, he was the first Pittsburgh QB who realized if he simply bombed the ball deep to George Pickens, good things would happen. While Rudolph likely will slot in as the backup, if plans fall through and he has to be a bridge QB to 2026, he could be serviceable in a run-heavy, play-action attack that takes advantage of the re-made offensive line and the two big-bodied deep threats (Pickens and DK Metcalf).
Scotty Miller returns on one-year deal
Date: March 13
Impact (out of five): 1
Analysis: The Steelers continued to round out the back half of their wide receiver room on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year deal with Scotty Miller, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Miller, 27, spent one year with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta in 2023 before following him to Pittsburgh in 2024. In 13 games last season, the 5-foot-9, 174-pound receiver caught five passes for 69 yards.
Millers often sat on the fringe of the 53-man roster, active in some games, inactive in others. He figures to have a similar spot on the depth chart this year. The Steelers already have DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson as locks to make the team and, ideally, be active on game days. Depending on how much more the Steelers address the position, Miller will be somewhere around the fifth or sixth receiver. (Re-signing Ben Skowronek, a bigger body and excellent special teamer, would be a logical next move).
Grade: C+ . While the move isn’t flashy in the slightest, it is logical to retain a player who knows the system and who is a good teammate. He could wind up in a similar situation to last year, when he fluctuated between the active and inactive roster on game day. He might even have to earn his way onto the team in camp, depending on what other moves the Steelers make in free agency or the draft.
Mike Williams bolts back to the Chargers
Date: March 12
Impact: 1
Analysis: Williams’ stint in Pittsburgh was a short one. The veteran receiver, who was acquired from the Jets at the trade deadline for a fifth-round pick, has reached an agreement to return to the Chargers, the team announced. According to multiple reports, it’s a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
Just days after the Steelers acquired Williams, he made the game-winning touchdown catch in Washington. At the time, it looked like GM Omar Khan’s wheeling and dealing had paid off. For a Day 3 pick, the Steelers seemingly had another deep threat to pair with George Pickens, taking some pressure off Pittsburgh’s No. 1 receiver and providing Russell Wilson with another big-bodied target for his moon ball.
However, over the subsequent three weeks, Williams wasn’t even targeted. He finished his nine-week Steelers tenure with nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown — 32 yards of it and the touchdown coming on that one catch.
Given his limited role in the offense, it would have been somewhat surprising to see Williams return to the Steelers. A new deal became even less likely when the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf. Now that the Steelers are considering Aaron Rodgers, who publicly blasted Williams for running the wrong route in his last days as a Jet, there was zero percent chance Williams would be back.
Grade: C-. If you’re being generous, maybe you can give Khan credit for trying to make a move to help an underwhelming receiving corps. But by the end of the season, it felt like the Steelers wasted a fifth-round pick.
Date: March 12
Impact: 4
Analysis: The Steelers are adding recently released Eagles cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal, a league source confirmed to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
Slay, 34, will step in as the starter opposite Joey Porter Jr. after Donte Jackson left for the Chargers in free agency. He should help a Steelers’ defense that’s been the league’s highest-paid but hasn’t always played like it. He fits stylistically as a physical, press-man corner who can cover the opposing team’s top wideout, which could help the defense mix and match how they defend opponents.
Slay should also provide value beyond what’s seen on the field. He embraced a mentorship role with young Eagles defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean last year. Porter and fellow third-year corner Cory Trice Jr. could also benefit from having a veteran voice in their ears.
The one concern is Slay’s age. However, on a one-year deal, there’s much less risk involved. The length of the contract also shows the Steelers haven’t given up on Trice and his future.
Grade: A-. Getting a quality starter opposite Porter was a priority for Pittsburgh, and Slay should fit well, both on the field and in the locker room.
Former Jet Brandin Echols adds depth to secondary
Date: March 12
Impact (out of five): 3
Analysis: The Steelers added versatility and depth to their secondary as the floodgates opened on free agency Wednesday, agreeing to terms with former Jets defensive back Brandin Echols, per multiple reports. Contract details are not yet known.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Echols has five interceptions (including two pick sixes), 16 passes defended and 122 tackles in his four-year career. He brings experience in the slot and on the outside. According to TruMedia, he’s logged 445 snaps at right cornerback, 199 at left cornerback and about 150 in the slot.
The best prediction is that the Steelers’ starting secondary will feature Joey Porter Jr. and recent signee Darius Slay on the outside. Echols provides competition for rising second-year defensive back Beanie Bishop in the slot and depth on the outside, something that’s valuable with Slay age 34. The Steelers also play a fair amount of dime defense with six defensive backs on the field, so it’s possible that some combination of Cory Trice Jr., Bishop and Echols will be on the field together in that personnel package.
Additionally, Echols should step into an instant role in the third phase of the game, as he’s logged 707 special teams snaps in his career.
Grade: B- . The Steelers made their splash in the secondary by signing Slay. Now they have quality depth to go with it. Should the 27-year-old Echols continue to develop, maybe he turns into more than just a nickel and depth option down the road.
WR Van Jefferson off to Nashville
Date: March 12
Impact (out of five): 1
Analysis: Former Steelers receiver Van Jefferson and the Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million, according to multiple reports.
Pittsburgh’s faith in Jefferson in 2024 felt misplaced all along. In 2023, the Falcons traded for Jefferson, and in 12 games with Arthur Smith, the 6-foot-1 receiver caught just 12 passes for 101 yards in 12 games. Couple that with his eight catches for 108 yards with the Rams to start the season, and he went the entire year without scoring a touchdown.
It was strange to think that, somehow, Jefferson would suddenly thrive in Pittsburgh if Smith couldn’t unlock him in Atlanta. Yet, not only did the Steelers sign Jefferson in 2024, but they were expecting him to be their No. 2 receiver. Jefferson tallied 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns, and his inability to capitalize on his opportunity ultimately led the Steelers to trade for Mike Williams in the middle of the season and then trade for DK Metcalf this week.
Grade: D. While letting Jefferson leave was the obvious move, the fact that you’re even reading this blurb shows the Steelers made a mistake in their evaluation at the receiver position. Maybe they’re beginning to learn from their mistake by swinging big with Metcalf.
RB Gainwell continues the Philly to Pittsburgh pipeline
Date: March 11
Impact (out of five): 3
Analysis: The Steelers continued to revamp their running back room in the post-Najee Harris era on Tuesday evening, agreeing to a deal with running back Kenneth Gainwell, a league source confirmed to The Athletic.
The Eagles drafted the 5-foot-9, 200-pound running back in the fifth round out of Memphis in 2021. At the time, Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl was part of that evaluation process with Philadelphia. Now he has one of his former draft picks in Pittsburgh, a recurring theme for a Steelers team that seems to be building its roster in a similar fashion.
A quick-twitch ballcarrier, Gainwell is dangerous in space and out of the backfield, with a nasty spin move and plenty of wiggle. In his first four seasons, he tallied 1,185 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns to go along with 721 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Gainwell mostly carved out his niche as the third-down back in Philadelphia and could eventually step into a similar role in Pittsburgh.
Grade: B. The undersized back could have a bigger impact than it might seem. While the Steelers extended a second-round tender to RFA Jaylen Warren, there’s room for three backs on the roster. The Steelers still have Cordarrelle Patterson, who turns 34 on Monday, on the roster. Though he’s an Arthur Smith favorite, Patterson is also a cut candidate. One way or another, this move likely won’t prevent the Steelers from dipping into a deep and talented running back draft class, where they might find their next true lead back.
Elandon Roberts off to Vegas
Date: March 10
Impact (out of five): 2.5
Analysis: Roberts will follow the path of Robert Spillane by leaving the Steelers’ ILB group to head to the Raiders, on a one-year deal worth $3 million, per ESPN. His departure from Pittsburgh was foreshadowed earlier Monday when Pittsburgh agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with Malik Harrison, another thumping linebacker who is four years younger and comes from the division-rival Ravens.
Roberts, who turns 31 in April, started 29 games over two seasons with the Steelers, but his role shrunk during the 2024 season as rookie Payton Wilson continued to draw more reps, relegating Roberts mostly to early downs. The nine-year veteran was a valued voice in the locker room and will be missed, even if Pittsburgh still has plenty of capable bodies at the position.
Grade: B. The Steelers likely feel they upgraded by swapping Harrison for Roberts, even if the price tag is a bit larger.
Date: March 10
Impact (out of five): 3
Analysis: The Harris era in Pittsburgh is officially over. On Monday night, the Steelers’ 2021 first-round pick agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers worth up to $9.5 million, a source confirmed to The Athletic’s Mike Silver.
Though in retrospect, drafting Harris in the first round was the wrong decision, this new situation is what’s best for all involved.
The Steelers selected Harris 24th at a time when the rule was to never draft a running back in the first round. As such, he was saddled with enormous expectations — and never met them. While Harris was unquestionably physical and durable, racking up 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons and never missing a game, he was also quite inefficient with a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry.
In fairness to Harris, he ran behind an awful offensive line with an unqualified offensive coordinator and erratic QB play early in his career. That said, even this year, with many upgrades on the offensive line and run-heavy coordinator Arthur Smith calling the shots, Harris lacked the quick-twitch to stress defenses horizontally in the outsize-zone heavy offense and often was bottled up near the line of scrimmage.
In many ways, this breakup has felt inevitable for some time. The Steelers began to show their hand last offseason when they declined Harris’ fifth-year option (which would have come with a $6.7 million price tag). Late this season, it also appeared they began to pivot, as Jaylen Warren out-snapped Harris on several instances.
Harris, a Bay Area native, now has a chance to return to California. He’s a much better fit for the Chargers’ gap-scheme rushing attack, will benefit from running behind a 300-pound fullback and should fit in with Jim Harbaugh’s ground-and-pound mindset.
Grade: B. Though the Steelers probably wish they had gone another direction in 2021, moving on was the right decision at this point. That’s especially true when you consider all the talent and depth in this year’s running back class. The Steelers now need to continue to make right decisions by finding the right back to pair with Warren, likely at the end of Day 2 or early in Day 3.
James Daniels off to Miami
Date: March 10
Impact (out of five): 1.5
Analysis: Former Steelers right guard James Daniels has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins on a three-year, $24 million deal, according to multiple reports.
Though the Steelers have made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches, this move that’s felt inevitable for some time. Last offseason, when the Steelers selected Mason McCormick in the fourth round, general manager Omar Khan hinted that Daniels could be on the move.
“We have a couple players at the position who are in the last year of their contract and felt it was important to address it if (McCormick) was there,” Khan said last year, alluding to Daniels and interior offensive lineman Nate Herbig.
That transition process was fast-tracked when Daniels tore his Achilles in Week 4, thrusting McCormick into a starting role. Given the fact that McCormick played at a consistent level, especially as a mid-round rookie, this was the obvious move.
Grade: B. Like with Dan Moore, the Steelers made the easy call by letting Daniels walk. Now, with left guard Isaac Seumalo entering the final year of his contract, perhaps it’s time to prepare a succession plan at left guard.
Steelers sign former Ravens ILB Malik Harrison
Date: March 10
Impact (out of five): 3
Analysis: One year after the Steelers signed former Raven Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh plucked another inside linebacker from Baltimore. On Monday, the Steelers agreed to terms with Malik Harrison on a two-year, $10 million deal, a league source told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Harrison is a physical, running-downs inside linebacker. Last season, the 2020 third-round pick tallied 46 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and six pressures, according to PFF. He’s also a core special teamer who should contribute significantly in the third phase of the game.
While it remains to be seen exactly how he’ll fit, consider how the Steelers used their linebackers last year. In their three-ILB rotation, Queen played 100 percent of snaps. Rookie Payton Wilson was the sub package ILB, often deployed on passing downs. His workload is only going to increase over time. The third linebacker was downhill bruiser Elandon Roberts, who is a free agent.
Theoretically, Harrison will be cast in a similar role to the one Robert played, based on the former Raven’s body type, playing style and history. Of his 354 defensive snaps last year, 300 came on first and second down.
The uncertain variable in this equation is Cole Holcomb, who re-structured his contract to take less money just before free agency. Considering the amount of money the Steelers are paying Harrison, he almost certainly will be in the ILB rotation. For Holcomb, perhaps Harrison’s extensive special teams resume allows the Steelers to dress an extra linebacker on game days, assuming Holcomb remains with the team through camp.
Grade: B. The Steelers got a little younger at inside linebacker, even though it appears they’ll part ways with Roberts, a popular teammate and solid contributor. It’s a moderate-cost move that will pair Queen with a member of his Ravens’ draft class.
CB Jackson leaves for L.A.
Date: March 10
Impact (out of five): 2
Analysis: Cornerback Donte Jackson, who spent one season with the Steelers, is headed to Los Angeles after agreeing to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Chargers, a source told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
Jackson joined the Steelers last offseason in a trade that shipped Diontae Johnson to Carolina. The Panthers were reportedly preparing to cut the veteran cornerback if they didn’t find a trade partner. The circumstances made it fair to question how much of an impact Jackson might have.
But during his time in Pittsburgh, Jackson was one of the NFL’s most opportunistic players. He intercepted five passes and recovered a fumble. Though his play was more uneven than those raw turnover stats would suggest, he was a good teammate, played through back and shoulder injuries and provided a level of stability opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Grade: B. Jackson played fairly well last year, but it makes sense for the Steelers to upgrade at cornerback. At this price tag, the Steelers are better off exploring alternatives.
Date: March 10
Impact (out of 5): 5
Analysis: As the Steelers’ 2024 campaign unraveled with five consecutive losses to close out the season, it was fair to wonder how things might have gone differently if coach Mike Tomlin stuck with Fields instead of pivoting to Wilson in Week 7.
We’ll never find out.
Steelers owner and team president Art Rooney II said right after the season that his preference was to re-sign either Fields or Wilson. But as the process unfolded, the truth was the team made Fields their top priority. However, by dragging out the process, the Steelers allowed other teams to get in on the bidding. Ultimately, Fields agreed to terms on a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed with the Jets.
Was he simply choosing more money, or did the Steelers’ decision to change streams after a 4-2 start sour his feelings on the organization?
Given Fields’ checkered history in the league, it’s reasonable that the Steelers didn’t want to open their wallet too far for a quarterback who hadn’t proved through four years that he could be a legitimate QB1. After all, if Tomlin didn’t think Fields was the answer in the middle of the season, what would have changed?
Although we can debate whether the Steelers made the right move to pass on Fields, the problem is they’re now running out of options at QB. A 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers is emerging as the most likely candidate. Other options include Wilson, Daniel Jones or Kirk Cousins.
Grade: D. If the Steelers decided Fields was their top option, they should have started this process much earlier, rather than dragging it out and allowing other teams to get involved. While you can agree (or disagree) that the Steelers shouldn’t have forked over tens of millions in guaranteed money for an unproven QB, they’re now left with a picked-over QB market that was awfully weak in the first place. This also almost guarantees the Steelers will need to draft a QB this year or in 2026.
Warren tendered at second-round level
Date: March 10
Impact (out of 5): 3.5
Analysis: In the hours before the floodgates opened on legal tampering, the Steelers handled one piece of internal business, placing a second-round tender on restricted free-agent running back Jaylen Warren, a team source confirmed. The move comes with a $5.346 million price tag. Warren will be permitted to negotiate with other teams, but the tender should effectively deter other teams. If he signs an offer sheet elsewhere, the Steelers can either match the contract or get a second-round pick in exchange, a price another team is unlikely to pay.
Warren joined the Steelers in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. After impressing during ‘backs on backers drills at training camp, he earned a roster spot and tallied 379 yards on 77 carries (4.9 average), plus 214 receiving yards as a rookie. The 5-foot-8, 215-pound back carved out a niche thanks to his excellent pass protection skills and quick-twitch running style. His workload increased considerably in 2023, as Warren racked up 784 yards on 149 carries (5.3 average) to go along with 370 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
In 2024, Warren sustained a hamstring injury leading up to the start of the season and then a knee injury early in the season, limiting his usage and effectiveness. But by the end of the year, he often out-snapped and out-touched lead back Najee Harris. At the time, it seemed the Steelers were beginning to pivot to Warren. By placing an expensive tag on the ball carrier, he now might be in position to be a more central piece of the Steelers’ offense.
Grade: B. Keeping Warren was a prudent piece of business for the Steelers. After working primarily as a third-down back early in his career, he now has a chance to step into an elevated role on a team that wants to run the football, especially if Harris moves on in free agency. The Steelers could have placed a less-expensive right-of-first-refusal tag on Warren for $3.263 million. By choosing the second-round tender, the Steelers are investing more to retain Warren, a sign of how he’s earned the coaching staff’s trust and respect over time.
Steelers save $7 million by cutting Ogunjobi
Date: March 10
Impact (out of 5): 2.5
Analysis: The Steelers created more salary-cap space on Monday afternoon, releasing defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, a team source confirmed.
The veteran defensive lineman signed with the Steelers in 2022 after tallying double-digit TFLs and QB hits in three of his first five seasons. But during his three years in Pittsburgh, he endured repeated injuries and inconsistencies and only once reached double digits a single time in those categories (QB hits in 2022). Though the Steelers now have a hole on the defensive front, they can fill it in the draft.
Grade: B. The Steelers really could have (and maybe should have) parted ways with Ogunjobi last year. They finally took the inevitable step early into free agency. With a deep and talented defensive tackle class in the draft and a few free agents still available, the Steelers can now begin restocking their defensive front.
Dan Moore Jr. leaves for the Titans, paving way for Steelers’ tackle evolution
Date: March 10
Impact (out of 5): 1.5
Analysis: On Monday afternoon, former Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. agreed to a four-year, $82 million deal ($50 million guaranteed) with the Tennessee Titans, league sources told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
It’s no surprise that the Steelers let Moore walk. Pittsburgh has been essentially trying to replace him for two seasons, using back-to-back first round picks on tackles in 2023 (Broderick Jones) and 2024 (Troy Fautanu). Last year, Moore led the league in sacks allowed with 12, according to Pro Football Focus. The fact that he got a big-money deal shows how important the tackle position is in the modern, pass-happy NFL. It’s also a credit to Moore, who continued to refine his game and develop in a division that features Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson.
While the move was expected, now that it’s official, the Steelers’ plan at tackle can take shape. GM Omar Khan reiterated at the combine that he expects Jones to begin offseason work at left tackle. Meanwhile, Fautanu is coming off of a pair of knee injuries as a rookie, including one that ended his season almost as soon as it began. He’s slated to start the year on the right side. The challenge for the Steelers will be to get both young tackles up to speed as quickly as possible to protect their new QB.
Grade: B+. While the Steelers were planning to move on from Moore anyway, they should be thrilled that he got paid handsomely. Pittsburgh already has its future in place with Jones and Fautanu (so long as they’re developed well), and the lucrative contract increases the chances the Steelers will get a compensatory pick in return.
Date: March 9
Impact (out of 5): 5
Analysis: Khan has been on the hunt for a game-breaking receiver for some time now. Now he’s got one. Metcalf, 27, is still in his prime. He brings size, physicality and great hands. Simply put, he’s a game changer who should immediately step into the No. 1 WR role, no matter what other receivers the Steelers have on the roster. By agreeing to a five-year, $150 million deal, he will be a central piece of the offense this year and into the future. He should help whomever Pittsburgh signs to play QB and also give the team leverage as George Pickens approaches a contract year.
Grade: A. There’s always risk that comes with trading significant draft capital and paying big money to a newly acquired player, but it would have been hard for Khan to do much better to address a glaring need.
Steelers restructure ILB Cole Holcomb’s contract
Date: March 6
Impact (out of 5): 1.5
Analysis: Give Holcomb credit. He had to fight his way into the NFL, first as a walk-on at UNC and then as a fifth-round pick who wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Just when the former Washington Commander had established himself and earned a big payday with the Steelers in 2023 — signing a three-year, $18 million deal — he sustained a devastating knee injury. He restructured his deal last season and spent the year going through a grueling rehab process. Days before the start of free agency, he again restructured his deal, according to multiple reports, to save the Steelers about $4 million against the cap. He’s now on the books for a $3.64 million cap hit, according to Over the Cap.
When Holcomb was healthy, he was the do-everything, three-down ‘backer. It remains to be seen what role he might (or might not) have. The Steelers deployed a three-ILB rotation last year with Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts, who is a free agent. The fourth and fifth linebackers, Mark Robinson and Tyler Matakevich, were special teamers. Will Holcomb try to add special teams to his resume to carve out a new niche? Or does he factor into the three-ILB rotation? It’s not completely clear at this time.
Grade: Incomplete. This depends on what the Steelers want Holcomb’s role to be. If he’s part of the three-ILB rotation, this is a slam dunk. If he’s a depth piece who is stashed or cut at the end of camp to make room for someone else (like Roberts), it’s a much less impactful move.
Steelers sign TE Donald Parham
Date: Feb. 21
Impact (out of 5): 2
Analysis: If Arthur Smith had it his way, he’d play a tight end at every position — or so it seems based on his infatuation with the position. No team deployed 13 personnel (one back, three tight ends) more often than the Steelers, who used that personnel grouping 177 times in 2024, according to TruMedia. (Side note: They were in the bottom half of efficiency out of this grouping, averaging 3.0 yards per play).
Though the Steelers already have an all-around TE in Pat Freiermuth, a dominant blocker in Darnell Washington and a hybrid H-back in Connor Heyward, it makes sense to add a depth piece like Parham, especially considering MyCole Pruitt is a free agent. The 6-foot-8 Parham caught 67 passes for 764 yards and 11 TDs with the Chargers from 2020 to 2023. He spent the entire 2024 season on the Broncos practice squad. Time will tell whether Parham sticks around and what his role will be. That will be determined based on what other pieces the Steelers add.
Grade: C-. It’s hard to get too excited about a tight end who spent the entire 2024 season on a practice squad. However, it was a logical move at the time, and Parham does fit what the Steelers want to do.
(Photo: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)
