The Pittsburgh Steelers were very active at the beginning of the free agency, trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signing cornerback Jamel Dean and running back Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh certainly isn’t done, though, and there are still multiple needs on the roster that need addressing. In terms of players to circle, these remaining free agents would make the most sense for the Steelers.
[Image: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 17: Jalen Tolbert #1 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) https://platform.behindthesteelcurtain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2026/03/gettyimages-2247337024.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
I mentioned Tolbert’s name yesterday in my remaining positional needs, and I’d almost be surprised if the Steelers don’t make this move. They need depth at receiver, and Tolbert had a very productive 2024 season under Mike McCarthy, catching 49 passes and seven touchdowns. Injuries and a loaded Cowboys’ skill group saw his production take a dip in 2025, as he finished with just 18 catches and one touchdown. Considering his highs, though, he would make sense as a cheap No. 3 or No. 4 option in the offense.
[Image: CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) https://platform.behindthesteelcurtain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2026/03/gettyimages-2255582939.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
If the Steelers want to go a similar route that they went with Mason McCormick, meaning drafting a guard with the hope of having him sit behind a veteran initially, then Bitonio is the best left guard available. They could also go the Wyatt Teller route and move him back to left guard, but he hasn’t played on the left side consistently since 2018. Sign Bitonio to a one-year deal, and then have whomever is drafted take over in 2027.
[Image: DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 6: Dre Greenlaw #57 of the Denver Broncos runs to the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field At Mile High on November 06, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) https://platform.behindthesteelcurtain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2026/03/gettyimages-2246280233.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
Greenlaw has been one of the more consistent off-ball linebackers in the NFL over the last five years, and he played well in his lone campaign with the Denver Broncos. The only problem with Greenlaw is the injury red flag. He’s played in just 10 regular season games over the last two seasons, granted he tore his achilles in the Super Bowl to close out the 2023 season and then played in just two games in the ensuing campaign. In the eight games he played in 2025, though, he was consistently good. He registered 23 defensive stops and 43 tackles. He also proved to be reliable in coverage, allowing a target EPA of -1.3. Signing him to a cheap two-year deal with an easy out after one year if his play drops off would make sense, especially if the Steelers decide to move on from Patrick Queen.
[Image: FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Christian Kirk #13 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) https://platform.behindthesteelcurtain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2026/03/gettyimages-2256385264.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
If the Steelers repeat the process of signing a guy who dominated their defense i.e. Kenneth Gainwell, then Kirk is a name to watch. The veteran wideout caught eight passes for 144 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh in the wild card round this past January. With the Steelers till needing multiple receivers, signing Kirk to a cheap short-term deal in addition to drafting another receiver would help solidify the room or 2026.
[Image: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 18: Jaquan Brisker #9 of the Chicago Bears reacts during the second quarter of an NFL divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on January 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) https://platform.behindthesteelcurtain.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2026/03/gettyimages-2256981087.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
Brisker is the best safety remaining on the market, and can be a long-term piece to the defense at 26 years old. The Penn State product has been one of the most versatile safeties in the league since being drafted in 2022, finishing 2025 with 93 tackles and 32 defensive stops. Even if the Steelers would sign Brisker, I would anticipate a safety being taken in the draft, as DeShon Elliott is coming off an injury-plagued season and will be 30 in 2027. Drafting a ball-hawk safety and having Brisker play closer to the line of scrimmage could be a good long-term outlook.
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