There is no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the more active teams during the NFL’s early free agency window. They addressed both the offense and the defense with significant moves that came via actual signings and a trade. After adding notable defenders such as cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, along with a star wide receiver in Michael Pittman Jr., the team looks much stronger.
These moves are why Pittsburgh received a strong grade from Pro Football Focus. In fact, the Steelers were one of three NFL teams that earned a B+ grade in free agency from PFF.
Watch Out for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026
GettyThe Steelers signed CB Jamel Dean to a three-year deal this offseason.
After winning 10 games, along with the AFC North, in former head coach Mike Tomlin‘s final season with the organization last year, the Steelers are continuing to build as opposed to starting a rebuild.
On offense, Steelers GM Omar Khan traded for a two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver in Pittman, which adds to the size in the wide receiver room. Furthermore, the Steelers signed back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle after losing team MVP Kenneth Gainwell to the Buccaneers in free agency.
Defensively, the addition of Dean, a former Super Bowl champion, brings over 61 career pass deflections from his seven years in Tampa Bay. He can help shore up the cornerback position, as does the re-signing of veteran Asante Samuel Jr. Furthermore, former Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker comes over on a one-year deal after recording at least 90 combined tackles in three of his first four NFL seasons in the Windy City.
Along the defensive interior, Joseph-Day played in all 17 games for the second consecutive season and notched six quarterback hits. He can help provide stability next to future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who was extended this offseason.
Aaron Rodgers Can Take the Steelers Far If He Returns
GettyAaron Rodgers would be playing in his 22nd career season if he returns to the Steelers.
Of course, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is that of four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers. Will the future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback return for at least one more season? If he does, he will be playing for his old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, Mike McCarthy, whom he has already spoken to this offseason. After witnessing what he did in 2025, Steelers fans should want him back.
As the team’s starter, he went 10-6 and posted a modest passer rating of 94.8. After notching 25 total touchdowns and seven interceptions in the regular season, Rodgers led the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years. In a win-or-go-home game in the final week of the regular season against the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens, Rodgers came up clutch by throwing for 294 yards and hitting wide receiver Calvin Austin III for the game-winning touchdown in the final minute.
His familiarity with the organization and its new head coach could be enough to bring him back. If he does return, the sky could be the limit for the team.
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