Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Steelers

Across his three seasons in the NFL, Herbig has seen year-over-year growth in terms of playing time. The former fourth-rounder has translated that into increased production, notching 7.5 sacks, 29 quarterback pressures and 13 tackles for loss in 2025. Expectations are clearly high for continued development well into the future.

Herbig found himself being mentioned as a potential trade candidate at the draft, with the same being true of fellow edge rusher Alex Highsmith. The latter was considered more likely to be moved, but in the end no pass rush departure took place. That led to questions about how the Steelers would operate from a financial standpoint in Herbig’s case, but instead of waiting for his final rookie contract year to take place Pittsburgh made another big-money investment in the pass rush department.

After logging a 60% snap share in 2025, Herbig is expected to once again take on a larger workload this season. If that proves to be the case, a campaign featuring standout production could further complicate the Steelers’ EDGE setup. Only the Texans currently have a more expensive pass rush room in terms of combined average annual value. Maintaining a high cost on that front as the Herbig deal ages could prove to be challenging.

Questions about T.J. Watt’s future could increasingly become a talking point over the next few months. The eight-time Pro Bowler is coming off the second-least productive season of his career, and he will turn 32 in October. Watt is under contract through 2028 thanks to last year’s extension. His 2027 base salary ($32MM) is guaranteed in full, something which of course make a trade difficult to pull off. Highsmith, meanwhile, is on the books for two more years with salaries ($14.5MM, $15.5MM) which would be easier to move.

Heyward had one year remaining on his previous deal, but this extension replaced it and reduced his 2026 cap figure in the process. The 37-year-old leveraged an eight-sack 2024 showing into a raise, but last season saw a drop-off in pass rush production. Heyward nevertheless remained stout against the run with 78 stops, landing a second-team All-Pro nod along the way.

A small raise for 2026 emerged with Heyward’s newest contract, one which also includes an $8MM roster bonus due next March. The 15-year Steeler will not have his wish of exclusively playing under Mike Tomlin granted, but he is in store to finish his standout career with Pittsburgh. Benton will represent a familiar face for the time being, and his deal confirms his status as part of the team’s younger defensive core.

Originally positioned fifth on the Steelers’ list of 2026 extension priorities, Benton became the fourth player within that group to finalize a new pact. The former second-rounder is under team control through 2030 as a result. Along with that long-term security, Benton managed to benefit from the latest surge in the defensive tackle market with his new deal.

The going rate for interior D-linemen moved on two occasions this offseason, something which surely helped raise the floor for Benson from a financial standpoint. An average annual value of $18MM is far from the top of the position’s pecking order, but it is a sign of anticipated high-end play well into the 2020s. Benton 25, has seen his usage rate increase with each passing season just like his draft classmate Herbig.

Last year, Benton set a new career high with 5.5 sacks, 15 pressures and 12 quarterback hits. The Wisconsin product managing to take another step moving forward would offer a significant boost to a Pittsburgh DT group already featuring Heyward and 2025 first-rounder Derrick Harmon. Sustained strong play is being counted on in Benton’s case, although as usual for Steelers pacts his extension only includes an injury guarantee for its second year and no locked-in salaries beyond that point.

Boswell’s desire for a new deal was clear last offseason. Pittsburgh’s organizational policy of not working out early extensions held firm, however, leading to a delay until this past spring for one to be finalized. When the ink was dry, the terms of Boswell’s latest agreement were not exactly a shock.

Kickers can age well over the course of their careers, and if that remains true in this case another multiyear commitment on Pittsburgh’s part should be a safe one. A raise from the $5MM AAV of Boswell’s previous extension was naturally going to be in store given his continued strong play. Brandon Aubrey’s Cowboys pact set the bar at $7MM per season, and while Boswell (35) is four years younger than the Dallas All-Pro he was a logical candidate to match that rate of annual pay. The 12th-year veteran figures to continue offering Pittsburgh with consistent accuracy well into the future.

One day after the Herbig extension was in place, talks involving Washington picked up steam. Another long-term term agreement was finalized in short order as a result. Washington saw an uptick in usage with respect to his passing game involvement in 2025, receiving 43 targets from Aaron Rodgers. A regular workload as a run blocker can of course be expected for the 6-7, 264-pounder moving forward.

Even so, Washington could find himself occupying a complementary pass-catching role for 2026 and beyond. Displacing Pat Freiermuth as TE1 would likely be a stretch at any time, to be certain. Nonetheless, Washington’s role will be interesting to monitor this season and into the post-Rodgers era on offense.

Re-signings:

• Aaron Rodgers, QB. One year, $22.5MM ($22MM guaranteed)
• Asante Samuel Jr., CB. One year, $4MM ($2.79MM guaranteed)
• Cole Holcomb, LB. Two years, $5MM ($625K guaranteed)
• Jack Driscoll, T. One year, $1.4MM ($188K guaranteed)
• Ryan McCollum, C. One year, $1.33MM ($75K guaranteed)
• Esezi Otomewo, DT. Signed to practice squad 8/31

As 2025 wound down, it became increasingly clear a second Steelers season with Rodgers in place was a possibility. The future Hall of Famer made it known he would have welcomed a continued run alongside Mike Tomlin, but he also mentioned McCarthy as a candidate worth interviewing in the search for Tomlin’s replacement.

Once the McCarthy hire was official, the countdown to another Rodgers signing decision began. Owner Art Rooney II and others indicated Pittsburgh preferred to avoid a lengthy wait on that front, as was the case in 2025. The team’s target for certainty in time for the draft was not met, but communication with Rodgers continued. It was eventually learned a general understanding existed for an agreement to be in place by the start of OTAs.

That did indeed wind up being the case, and the four-time MVP was a full participant in all spring work and training camp practices. Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facility shortly before officially returning to the fold with a raise in hand. His 2026 deal can top out at $25MM via incentives; that is a noticeable bump in pay compared to the $13.65MM value of his 2025 pact.

Rodgers offered a higher floor at the QB spot than any of the Steelers’ post-Ben Roethlisberger options during his debut season in Pittsburgh. That said, it should be noted his average depth of target (6.37) for the year was the lowest among qualified passers. Even if 2026 brings about improved play along the offensive line, a rebound on that front should of course not be expected. Rodgers will turn 43 in December, and the coming season will be his 22nd in the NFL.

Questions about the likelihood of a true step forward compared to last season are legitimate, even with a new (but highly familiar) play-caller in place. Pittsburgh’s moves at receiver and running back should offer a boost, but much will still depend on Rodgers managing to stay healthy and guide the Steelers’ offense to at least a middle-of-the-road finish. Doing so could very well result in another playoff berth, although in any event 2026 will be the end of the road for Rodgers.

Retirement was once again a serious consideration this offseason, and in August Rodgers noted the decision to hire McCarthy – with whom he won a Super Bowl during a Green Bay stretch spanning 2006-18 – was a key factor in his choice to play one more season. Rodgers confirmed his early statements that 2026 will be his final season. Regardless of how things play out, the coming campaign will play a role in defining the post-Packers chapter of his career in particular.

Samuel’s 2025 market was hampered by a lengthy recovery process following neck surgery, but his decision to sign with Pittsburgh proved worthwhile. The former Chargers second-rounder wound up making seven combined regular and postseason appearances with the Steelers last season. He logged a 58% snap share during that span, and an increased workload could be feasible after a full offseason this time around.

Samuel, 27 next month, was charged with four touchdowns allowed in coverage as the nearest defender in 2025. The Florida State product will aim to bounce back in that regard on the back of a training camp in which he has drawn plenty of praise. Doing so would pave the way for a longer commitment on his next deal, whether it comes in the form of a third Pittsburgh contract or one from an outside suitor.

Trades:

• Acquired WR Michael Pittman Jr., 230 overall in 2026 from Colts for No. 214
• Dealt T Broderick Jones, 2027 fourth-round pick to Cowboys for 2027 third-, sixth-rounders
• Sent RB Kaleb Johnson to Packers for 2028 sixth-round pick

As part of the deal sending him to Pittsburgh, Pittman agreed to a two-year, $35MM extension. Instead of spending 2026 as a pending free agent during a seventh Indianapolis campaign, he will begin a new chapter with the expectation of spending multiple years as a Steeler.

Receiver production outside of D.K. Metcalf was an issue for Pittsburgh in 2025, and his time unavailable through suspension for the final two games of the regular season dealt a considerable blow to the team’s offense. Not far removed from heavily pursuing Brandon Aiyuk (including talks with the Jaguars over Brian Thomas Jr. at the trade deadline) Pittsburgh entered the offseason in need of another notable veteran acquisition. Pittman’s contract status made him a logical target for a low-cost trade.

One of the league’s most durable and consistent ‘X’ receivers, Pittman has posted 80 catches four times in his career, reaching the 1,000-yards threshold twice. The 28-year-old drew praise from Colts general manager Chris Ballard ahead of the new league year, but Indianapolis needed to free up cap space to afford a second Alec Pierce contract.

With a cost-shedding move having taken place, Pittman should mesh well with Metcalf’s vertical skillset and give the Steelers another dependable target in the passing game. Having played at least 13 games every season to date, concerns about a major injury or a drop-off in play should be minimal.

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Pittman’s extension means he will remain in place through Pittsburgh’s transition to a new quarterback for 2027. That will ensure continuity on offense regardless of what path the team elects to take under center moving forward. In the meantime, a higher floor on offense for the final season of the Rodgers era should prove to be impactful.

One of the Steelers’ main struggles on that side of the ball in recent years has been the play of their offensive line. The tackle position in particular has been a sore spot, something the Jones selection was aimed at correcting. During his first draft as Pittsburgh’s GM, Omar Khan traded up in the first round to select the Georgia product, whose athletic traits contrasted a lack of playing time at the collegiate level.

Jones, 25, totaled 38 starts during his time in Pittsburgh, primarily playing at right tackle for his first two NFL seasons. A switch to the blind side resulted in 11 games of poorly rated play (in terms of PFF evaluation) before a neck injury. Jones managed to recover from the ensuing surgery must faster than expected, but it came as no surprise when the Steelers declined his 2027 fifth-year option.

As training camp unfolded, it appeared as though a walk year spent as a backup was in store for Jones. Instead, this trade – coupled with the Cowboys’ decision to deal away Nathan Thomas in a separate swap – will give him the opportunity to compete for a starting gig (albeit at right tackle). Needless to say, Jones’ free agent market next spring hinges on his ability to deliver a healthy campaign in a new setting.

Given his status as a first-round pick, the return in Jones’ case is of course an underwhelming return on investment. The same can also be said to a lesser extent for Johnson, who handled just 28 carries during his rookie season. An uptick in usage was unlikely for at least the short-term future, but the 23-year-old could find himself on the field early and (relatively) often in Green Bay. Josh Jacobs finds himself on the commissioner’s exempt list with the regular season approaching.

On a wider scale, the Johnson trade is emblematic of the issues Pittsburgh has endured dating back to the end of the Kevin Colbert period with respect to finding and retaining productive players early in the draft. The team’s offense will be without contributors seen in the very recent past as candidates for a second contract or at least a full slate while attached to a rookie deal. Nevertheless, the 2026 roles which would have been in place for Jones and Johnson limits the impact their respective absences are likely to have.

Free agency additions:

• Jamel Dean, CB. Three years, $36.75MM ($12MM guaranteed)
• Rico Dowdle, RB. Two years, $12.25MM ($5MM guaranteed)
• Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT. Two years, $11MM ($4.7MM guaranteed)
• Jaquan Brisker, S. One year, $5.5MM ($4.29MM guaranteed)
• Brock Hoffman, G. One year, $2.5MM ($750K guaranteed)
• Rayshawn Jenkins, S. One year, $1.3MM
• Robert Tonyan, TE. One year, $1.3MM
• Jakobie Keeney-James, WR. One year, $885K
• Travis Homer, RB. Signed to practice squad 8/31

As usual, the Steelers were not among the highest-spending franchises in terms of outside additions once the new league year began. Indeed, only Dean (No. 30) and Brisker (No. 47) landed on this year’s PFR Top 50 Free Agents list.

The secondary was understandably seen as an area to target upgrades this spring after Pittsburgh ranked 29th against the pass in 2025. Dean will offer plenty of experience in that regard, having made 77 starts during his Tampa Bay tenure. The seven-year Buccaneer delivered a strong showing in coverage during his final campaign with the team, allowing the second-best completion percentage of his career (49.2%) and his lowest passer rating (63.1) since 2021.

That impressive showing came about after Dean accepted a considerable pay cut ahead of the 2025 campaign. Despite his age (30 in mid-October) and at least three missed games in each of the past three seasons, the former Super Bowl winner did quite well for himself in lining up a lucrative third contract. A full-time role on the perimeter will be in store for the Auburn product as his new team looks to match the Buccaneers in translating a veteran core into playoff success.

The signing bonus represents the only full guarantee in Dean’s deal, which comes as no surprise given the way Steelers contracts are often structured. Dowdle’s pact only being two years in length also resulted in the absence of locked-in money beyond 2026. Nevertheless, he should be able to stay in place with another strong showing on the ground. Dowdle followed up his final Cowboys campaign (1,079 rushing yards) with a nearly identical one with the Panthers.

The 28-year-old was hardly used on offense from 2020-23, making him unique in terms of a lack of wear and tear this deep into his career. Nevertheless, Dowdle has shown an ability to succeed as a clear-cut RB1, having logged 471 carries across the past two years. His 78 receptions over that span illustrate an ability to contribute in the passing game as well. From a skillset and financial perspective, Dowdle finds himself in a similar situation to new teammate Jaylen Warren.

Warren inked a two-year extension last offseason; his pact is nearly identical to Dowdle’s in terms of value. During the 2025 campaign – his first without Najee Harris in the picture – Warren handled a career-high 251 offensive touches. It will be interesting to see how the backfield setup takes shape moving forward with Pittsburgh once again having two RB options capable of logging a heavy workload. A lead role for Dowdle would go a long way in helping his chances of a new Steelers commitment as early as next spring.

Brisker found himself competing with several notable safeties on the open market this year. That, coupled with a concerning track record of concussions (including 12 missed games in 2024), helped result in only a one-year deal taking place during his first trip to free agency.

The Steelers took on a limited risk with this Brisker addition as a result. On the other hand, the upside could be considerable if the Pittsburgh native and Penn State alum manages another healthy campaign (as he did last year).

Brisker has compiled seven sacks and 342 tackles in his career, although his ball production has never stood out. Provided that continues on his new team, the 27-year-old should be able to handle a regular workload but with a specific role in place. Even so, Brisker should be able to boost his 2027 market considerably with a strong showing in Pittsburgh.

The timing of the Jenkins addition highlighted how the Steelers continued to view safety as an area of need deep into the offseason. It will be interesting to see how much the 32-year-old is used early in the season in particular as Pittsburgh’s secondary rotation is sorted out. Similarly, Joseph-Day represents an experienced veteran who is slated for backup duties given the team’s existing depth along the defensive interior.

Notable losses:

• Calvin Anderson, T (released)
• Calvin Austin, WR
• Chuck Clark, S
• Kyle Dugger, S
• Kenneth Gainwell, RB
• Malik Harrison, LB (released)
• Connor Heyward, TE
• Brandon Johnson, WR
• Miles Killebrew, S
• Isaiahh Loudermilk, DT
• Scotty Miller, WR
• Jeremiah Moon, OLB
• Andrus Peat, G (retired)
• James Pierre, CB
• Max Scharping, OL
• Isaac Seumalo, G
• Jonnu Smith, TE (released)
• Adam Thielen, WR (retired)
• Skylar Thompson, QB
• Corey Trice, CB (waived/injured)
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR
• Corliss Waitman, P

Many of the veteran departures seen over recent months came as little to no surprise. 2026 was known to be Thielen’s final NFL campaign well before he wound up serving as a depth option in the passing game late in the season.

Peat similarly emerged as an important figure down the stretch during his brief time with the Steelers. Injuries proved to be a common theme in his career, so it certainly did not come as a shock for the longtime Saints blocker to hang up his cleats. His absence, along with Seumalo and Anderson’s, will illustrate the influx of younger contributors along Pittsburgh’s offense line among the starting five but also further down the depth chart.

Once former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s time with the Steelers came to an end, it was expected Jonnu Smith would be on the way out as well. The journeyman played over half of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps but managed just 38 catches and two touchdowns with the TE spot generally underwhelming. Smith inked a one-year, $12MM extension upon being dealt to the Steelers but it is safe to say that investment proved to be a regrettable one.

While Smith fell short of expectations, Gainwell proved to be a surprising success during his one-and-done Pittsburgh showing. A cross-Pennsylvania move helped him set a new career high in offensive touches (187), scrimmage yards (1,023) and total touchdowns (eight). Gainwell also set a new personal benchmark with an average of 4.7 yards per attempt and 5.5 yards per touch.

That efficiency resulted in a dramatic jump in terms of compensation. After Gainwell secured $620K guaranteed from the Steelers last spring, the 27-year-old landed $9.83MM in locked-in money on a two-year Buccaneers pact. Replacing Gainwell’s impact in the backfield was a clear goal given the Rico Dowdle signing but the Steelers’ offense will depend in large part on its success in managing to do so.

Harrison spent his first five seasons with the Ravens before taking a two-year Pittsburgh contract last spring. An uptick in playing time took place to an extent, but he was only on the field for 40% the Steelers’ defensive snaps. The team’s depth elsewhere at linebacker left Harrison on the roster bubble entering training camp, so it was not unexpected for him to be among the veterans cut as part of the path to Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster.

The safety spot was a Pittsburgh position of need throughout the 2025 season, as demonstrated by the trade acquisition of Dugger. He and Clark combined to play 996 defensive snaps last year, with Killebrew remaining a special teams mainstay when he was healthy. Losing every member of that trio has resulted in a significantly altered safety depth chart moving forward. Given the level of play delivered from Pittsburgh’s secondary in 2025, though, it is not difficult to envision improved production this season.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 21: Max Iheanachor (T, Arizona State) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 47 (from Colts): Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 76 (from Cowboys): Drew Allar (QB, Penn State) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 85: Daylen Everette (CB, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 96 (from Seahawks): Gennings Dunker (G, Iowa) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 121: Kaden Wetjen (WR, Iowa) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 169 (from Rams via Chiefs): Riley Nowakowski (TE, Indiana) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 210 (from Rams via Chiefs): Gabe Rubio (DL, Notre Dame) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 224 (from Saints via Patriots): Robert Spears-Jennings (S, Oklahoma) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 230 (from Colts): Eli Heidenreich (RB, Navy) (signed)

In the aftermath of the draft, the Steelers were a storyline based not on which players they added but rather what they were unable to do. Pittsburgh was in communication with receiver Makai Lemon at the same moment he was contacted by the Eagles to find out – in highly unusual fashion – which team he would be beginning his career with.

Lemon was on the phone with Pittsburgh when it became clear the USC product would not, in fact, still be on the board at pick No. 21. The Eagles swung a trade with the Cowboys to acquire the 20th selection. Lemon was initially under the impression he was bound for Pittsburgh, but instead he will take on a key role as Philadelphia begins the post-A.J. Brown period at receiver.

The Steelers did not make an attempt to move up one spot by trading places with Dallas, although conversations with the Buccaneers (No. 15) took place. That inaction proved to be critical given the Eagles’ aggressive pursuit of Lemon. In need of a Plan B, Pittsburgh pivoted to Iheanachor. That marked general manager Omar Khan’s third Day 1 selection at the offensive tackle spot in the past four years.

The Iheanachor pick was certainly different from the other T investments made by Pittsburgh, though. An immigrant from Nigeria, he did not play high school football at all. Iheanachor’s experiment with the sport nevertheless showcased his athletic upside at the junior college level, and it was enough for him to spend three seasons as a starter with the Sun Devils.

An immediate first-team role in the NFL is not expected in this case. Iheanachor, 22, will look to continue developing with the Steelers leaning on Dylan Cook atop the right tackle depth chart for now. That mirrors the right guard situation, with Dunker set to sit behind veteran Spencer Anderson.

The left side of Pittsburgh’s line will have familiar faces (Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick) occupying new spots in 2026. They will be counted on to take steps forward with center Zach Frazier remaining among the league’s best as his position. At least one of Iheanachor or Dunker finding themselves in the starting lineup by the end of the season would come as little surprise, however.

Bernard does not possess the height-weight-speed combination of some of this class’ top wideouts, and his final season with the Crimson Tide (862 yards, seven touchdowns) fell short of what many high-end receivers produce at the end of their college careers. Even so, Bernard was rightly seen as a Day 2 prospect for his route-running skills and ability to operate as a consistent complementary piece on an NFL offense.

It remains to be seen if he will be able to do so right away. Returnee Roman Wilson is a candidate to see heavy slot usage, although his first season working with Aaron Rodgers did not produce much in the way of chemistry. Wilson – entering his third NFL season – and Bernard could find themselves splitting reps in 2026. Depending on how things play out on that front, a clear plan in the slot for 2027 and beyond could emerge.

Next season may also mark the beginning of Allar’s time atop the depth chart. With Rodgers retiring after the year, it is unclear how the Steelers will operate under center once he hangs up his cleats. Allar (whose draft stock fell following a less-than-stellar start to his final college campaign and a season-ending injury) was one of the participants in head coach Mike McCarthy’s offseason ‘QB School.’ 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard was another, and McCarthy spent much of the spring praising the Ohio State product.

Howard and Allar will offer Pittsburgh inexpensive depth under center for at least the near future. Whether or not either could become a long-term starter will of course represent a central organizational question. Allar’s natural passing ability will be weighed against perceived shortcomings in other areas of his game. One of McCarthy’s key tasks in Pittsburgh will be elevating Allar and/or Howard in addition to a potential role in identifying another QB1 option next offseason.

Significant playing time during the regular season in Allar’s case would require an injury on the part of Rodgers and, in all likelihood, Mason Rudolph given the Steelers’ decision to carry four quarterbacks on their roster. A similar setup for 2027 is unlikely, though much of the team’s planning on that front will come down to the projection of Allar and Howard’s respective NFL ceilings.

Other:

• Extension offer submitted to CB Joey Porter Jr.
• Spoke with LB Patrick Queen about extension following Cowboys trade interest
• Moved S DeShon Elliott, T Jack Driscoll to IR-designated for return; placed CB Donte Kent on reserve/PUP list
• Signed six UDFAs

Many expected that Porter would join the long list of in-house players retained beyond 2026 with a big-money extension. At no point has an agreement seemed imminent in this case, however.

The cornerback market has been topped at times by Trent McDuffie, then Devon Witherspoon and finally Christian Gonzalez this offseason. Each of those second contracts average at least $31MM per season, marking a benchmark Porter is no doubt aiming to reach with his own deal. It very much remains to be seen if the Steelers view the second-generation defender as a top-five CB producer, which represents an obvious impediment to traction at the negotiating table.

This year’s annual poll of evaluators from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler listed Porter as an honorable mention as opposed to one of the NFL’s top-10 cover men. A perceived gap between Pittsburgh’s view of the 26-year-old and his own asking price has long been a talking point when it comes to the matter of a potential extension. A raise in 2027 via the franchise tag – worth a projected $23.12MM – could eventually be in store, but any long-term agreement would come at a much higher price.

Porter saw a notable downturn in penalty flags last season, one in which he broke up 14 passes and thrived in coverage. Another high-end showing on those fronts by the Penn State product would not only ensure strong play in Pittsburgh’s secondary but raise the possibility of a stay with the Steelers lasting well into the future. Notably, general manager Omar Khan recently confirmed the team’s long-running policy of not negotiating contracts during the season will continue as it pertains to Porter.

With that in mind, it was particularly surprising when it became known no serious extension talks had occurred prior to training camp. Porter grew frustrated with that reality, remaining on the active/PUP list with a back injury (widely considered to be the pretense for a hold-in) throughout training camp. Upon being activated, the former second-rounder fell short of confirming he would play in Week 1 without a new deal in hand. While missed game checks are very rare in the NFL, it does not appear as though Porter’s financial future will be settled for several months.

Queen is also a pending free agent, and he came relatively close to changing teams for the second time of his career. Instead, the two-time Pro Bowler will spend one more season in Pittsburgh without clarity on what will come next. Without an extension in place, Queen is on track to test the market in 2027.

A full-time starter with both the Ravens and Steelers, the 27-year-old topped 120 tackles for the third straight season in 2025. Queen will again be counted on to operate as a mainstay at the second level of Pittsburgh’s defense with time being split at the other first-team spot between Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb. It will be interesting to see if further contract talks are to come in the future, or if Pittsburgh will be content to move on after three seasons with Queen averaging $13.67MM per year.

As we have seen, the safety position has been in flux recently for the Steelers. Elliott represents an important carryover, however, having logged over 1,100 defensive snaps in just 20 Pittsburgh contests. His return to the active roster – no earlier than Week 5, just like Driscoll and Kent – will be welcomed.

On the other hand, Pittsburgh’s safety rotation among the new faces could be firmly established before that point. Elliott’s workload may see a reduction when he is healthy as a result. Two years remain on the veteran’s contract, although his pact does not contain any guaranteed money for 2027. A strong run of availability will thus be critical.

Top 10 cap charges for 2026:

• T.J. Watt, OLB: $42MM
• Aaron Rodgers, QB: $22.5MM
• Alex Highsmith, OLB: $20.1MM
• Jalen Ramsey, CB: $19.5MM
• Patrick Queen, LB: $17.19MM
• Cameron Heyward, DT: $13.68MM
• D.K. Metcalf, WR: $13.26MM
• Michael Pittman Jr., WR: $8.87MM
• Jaylen Warren, RB: $7.03MM
• Pat Freiermuth, TE: $6.94MM

For the fifth straight season, Pittsburgh will lead the NFL in defensive spending. The cap implications of that approach will continue to be felt beyond 2026, even if Queen departs in free agency next year. Plenty of the most expensive players listed are set to see small (if any) cap spikes for 2027.

Once again, much of Pittsburgh’s offseason was defined by the wait for Rodgers to officially commit to a season with the team. His reunion with McCarthy paves the way for a potential storybook finish to his illustrious career. But concerns about the ability of a core which remains largely intact from previous years to find success in the playoffs are still well-founded. Targeted additions through free agency and the trade market should nevertheless raise the team’s floor on both sides of the ball.

From a big-picture perspective, the McCarthy hire marks the beginning of his time developing Pittsburgh’s Rodgers successor (be it Will Howard, Drew Allar or a player not currently in the fold). The 62-year-old’s third opportunity to lead an NFL team is not expected to be long, but it figures to be critical in shaping Pittsburgh’s future under center. In the meantime, an approach centered on competing for 2026 with a familiar face will be the team’s focus.