The Steelers enter the 2026 offseason facing one of the most unusual free-agent classes they’ve had in years. It’s a mix of aging veterans, short-term rentals, role players, and young contributors who haven’t fully cemented their roles. Pittsburgh doesn’t need to overhaul the roster, but they do need to make smart, targeted decisions that prevent depth erosion and cap inefficiency.
Below are the key players whose futures actually shape the offseason.
Aaron Rodgers — Quarterback
Rodgers’ situation is less about performance and more about logistics. At age 42, he’s at the point where retirement is a real possibility, and the Steelers must prepare for that outcome. In fact, they were already prepared for it last season, when Rodgers initially announced the 2025 campaign would be his last… and then things changed. The two sides started talking about the future, until things changed again… and Mike Tomlin stepped away from the team.
Any other new head coach may have sent Rodgers packing his bags to another city or riding off into the sunset of retirement. However, Pittsburgh’s hiring of Rodgers’ former Green Bay head coach, Mike McCarthy, along with a familiar offensive coordinator, Brian Angelichio, and last year’s quarterbacks coach, Tom Arth, are moves positioned to convince Rodgers to run it back one more season with the Steelers.
Rodgers’ contract won’t be a dealbreaker in the discussion either. The decision is tied to roster planning, not competition — Pittsburgh needs clarity early so they can map out the quarterback room. General Manager Omar Khan is confident the two sides will work things out sooner than they did last season, so the team isn’t held hostage looking for a passer.
Return in 2026: Likely
Kyle Dugger — Safety
Dugger is a mixed bag — the Steelers traded for him out of necessity, but also voided his remaining contract so they wouldn’t be saddled with a bad contract if he underperformed.
Dugger was both a surprise and a disappointment, depending on the game. He played a significant role on defense, but his inconsistency might see the Steelers opt for the return of a healthy DeShon Elliott, as well as keep Jalen Ramsey in the defensive backfield.
Those two moves will more than likely shift Dugger out of a starting role and seeking employment elsewhere.
Return in 2026: Highly Unlikely
Isaac Seumalo — Guard
Seumalo remains a stabilizing force on the offensive line, even as he enters his mid-30s. He played heavy snaps and continues to provide veteran consistency. The guard arrived in Pittsburgh three seasons ago, coming over from the Philadelphia Eagles along with assistant GM Andy Weidl, who was intimately familiar with his play.
During his time in Pittsburgh Seumalo has started 44 games, and was also named to his first Pro Bowl in 2024.
The question is whether the Steelers want to commit another multi-year deal to an older lineman or pivot toward younger, cheaper options, such as Spencer Anderson. His return would maintain continuity, but his age and larger price tag — he earned $8 million per season — complicate things.
Return in 2026: Unlikely
Kenneth Gainwell — Running Back
The biggest surprise of 2025, Gainwell was named team MVP by his peers after gaining over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. He became a valuable asset in the passing game, leading all Steelers in receptions, and was tied for second in receiving yards (with Pat Freiermuth). Signed to only a one-year deal in 2025, Gainwell is set to hit a mixed free agent market for running backs that will include larger targets such as Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker.
Along with some cheaper veteran options, that could diminish the demand for Gainwell’s services. At the same time, the Steelers will need to decide if his asking price isn’t prohibitive, as he’s still a rotational, complementary piece to Jaylen Warren. Teams need multiple backs in this era, but they don’t need to spend top ten contract money on multiple backs either.
That could see the Steelers opt to test the waters with last year’s third round pick Kaleb Johnson. However, Johnson did not impress in limited action and does not have the same skillsets in the passing game — blocking or receiving — that Gainwell does.
At 27, he’s still in his prime, and his market shouldn’t be prohibitive. The Steelers must decide whether to keep him as a complementary piece or look for a younger, more explosive option through the draft. His versatility makes him a sensible retention candidate.
Return in 2026: Coinflip
James Pierre — Cornerback
Pierre has been in and out of the lineup over the years, but his return in 2025 stabilized a tumultuous secondary. He finally played steady, meaningful snaps on defense and became a trusted depth option.
He’s also a known quantity on special teams and in sub-packages. Pierre could be inconsistent, but bringing him back is more about maintaining stability in the cornerback room than chasing upside.
Return in 2026: Likely
Calvin Austin III — Wide Receiver
Austin was lost in a wide receiver room that wasn’t crowded to begin with. As the team sought out a legitimate second option next to D.K. Metcalf, Austin had moments, but never any definitive performances that made you believe he ascended to be that long lost WR2.
While he was one of the fastest players coming out of the draft his rookie season, Austin’s development slowed due to injury. Now set to be an unrestricted free agent, the well-liked player stares at a new coaching staff that may settle with a similar speedy receiver — Roman Wilson — or another option in free agency or the draft.
Any addition to the depth chart will mean Austin’s role is bumped down a level, which also means he’s expendable. His age and cost make him a reasonable re-sign candidate, but the team may also view him as someone they can upgrade from.
Return in 2026: Unlikely
Asante Samuel Jr. — Cornerback
Samuel finds himself in a similar spot to Pierre, after returning to the NFL from a major injury midseason to help shore up the Steelers secondary. While he was play was above board compared with others, he was far from a superstar. It’s unlikely Samuel will have much demand in free agency, including from Pittsburgh.
The Steelers need to determine whether he’s a reclamation project worth investing in or simply a depth piece. His upside is higher than most of the free agents on this list, but so is the risk.
Return in 2026: Unlikely
Skylar Thompson — Quarterback
Thompson didn’t see the field during the regular season, but he impressed the previous staff enough to be included in the initial roster formation before landing on IR.
If the front office is interested in drafting another quarterback, the room would be far too crowded for a Thompson return. The only way it would make sense to bring Thompson back is if Rodgers retires or moves on: Thompson could be part of a multi-QB competition scenario.
If Rodgers returns, Thompson becomes a low-cost depth decision, but unlikely to supersede Mason Rudolph or Will Howard. Therefore, his future is tied directly to the top of the depth chart.
Return in 2026: Highly Unlikely
Connor Heyward — Tight End
Heyward remains a versatile chess piece — part tight end, part fullback, part special-teamer. His value isn’t measured in traditional stats but in flexibility.
The Steelers typically keep players like this, but his next contract must reflect his role, not his name. He’s a strong candidate to return on a team-friendly deal.
Return in 2026: Likely
Corliss Waitman — Punter
Waitman’s restricted status gives Pittsburgh control. He provides stability at a position the Steelers have cycled through in recent years.
Tendering him is the simplest path, but the team could also explore competition. Either way, he’s more likely to stay than go.
Return in 2026: Likely
Other Steelers Free Agents
These players are part of the broader free-agent class but don’t require deep analysis. Their futures will be determined by cost, depth needs, and camp competition:
Miles Killebrew, Daniel Ekuale, Dean Lowry, Calvin Anderson, Cole Holcomb, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Chuck Clark, Andrus Peat, Scott Miller, Jabrill Peppers, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tre Flowers, Max Scharping, Jack Driscoll, Donald Parham, Ryan McCollum, Jeremiah Moon, Esezi Otomewo, Jacob Slade, Brandon Johnson.