The Steelers offseason is officially underway, and the next steps toward building for the 2025 roster are free agency and the NFL Draft. After a disappointing finish to the year—culminating in another frustrating wildcard-round exit—it’s clear this roster needs upgrades at key positions.
The good news? Pittsburgh is in an excellent cap space position, giving them the flexibility to make a splash in free agency and pursue top-tier talent. Here are four dream free-agent targets the Steelers should aim to land this offseason.
WR, Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins is shaping up to be the crown jewel of this year’s free-agent class, and the Steelers appear ready to go big-game hunting at wide receiver.
After missing out on a potential trade for Brandon Aiyuk before the season and striking out on other top WRs at the trade deadline, Pittsburgh finds itself with cap space to spend—and a clear need to prioritize offense. Higgins would undoubtedly be their dream target, but signing him won’t come easy.
The bidding war for a player of his caliber will be intense, and the Steelers must make a strong case. The biggest challenge? Convincing Higgins to choose Pittsburgh, especially with lingering quarterback uncertainty.
Still, if the Steelers are serious about elevating their offense, they’ll need to pull out all the stops to land a proven #1 receiver like Higgins. It’s a bold move, but one that could reshape their offense for years to come.
QB, Sam Darnold
The Steelers need a quarterback, and Sam Darnold could be a smart option. After showing signs of a career resurgence this past season, his struggles down the stretch likely lowered his price, making him more accessible.
While Justin Fields is expected to return as the starter, concerns about his ability as a passer remain. For a team desperate to win a playoff game, the offense needs a more dependable passer to complement its weapons.
Darnold fits well in Arthur Smith’s offense and could help open up the passing game. While he does have his own flaws, a contract similar to Geno Smith’s—a two-year deal with an option to exit after the first year—would be a low-risk move for the Steelers.
Financially, this approach is well within Pittsburgh’s capabilities, making Darnold a logical choice to upgrade the quarterback position and give the team a better chance to compete in the playoffs.
CB, D.J Reed
The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need a reliable starting cornerback to complement Joey Porter Jr. and D.J. Reed could be the ideal solution. After three strong seasons with the Jets, Reed is expected to test free agency again and will likely be one of the top cornerbacks available.
At just 28 years old, he brings the perfect mix of youth, experience, and skill. Reed has the potential to fill the void the Steelers’ secondary has been missing at cornerback for years, providing much-needed consistency and playmaking ability.
