Steelers Insider Throws Gallons Of Cold Water On Aggressive Free Agency Talk

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a little bit more aggressive from a front office perspective since General Manager Omar Khan took over in 2022. Fans are looking forward to an aggressive 2025 offseason, as the team has several needs that need to be addressed. Whether it be the looming decision at quarterback, or depth issues at wide receiver and running back, or on the defense line, a lot has to change if the organization wants to win a playoff game in 2025. It was reported recently that the NFL's salary cap will balloon to close to $280 million, which should work in Khan's favor.

The Steelers are expected to re-sign either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, but the free agency class when it comes to the wide receiver position could be far from attractive, especially if Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin don't make it to the market. The fan base in the Steel City is hoping to see Khan open up the checkbook and make several splashes, but that reality might not be realistic.

During the Kaboly and Mack show late on Thursday evening, Mark Kaboly, a respected team insider, was asked by Chris Mack about the league news regarding the salary cap. The reporter was quick to shut down the idea that it makes that much of a difference for Pittsburgh.

"Let's not really say that this is more than what it is here," Kaboly said. "The number went up. The cap number went up. But, you know what else will go up? The price of everybody now. I think where it mattered for the Steelers was eight to 10 years ago when it was like 'Hey, we're going to have to cut four or five guys just to get cap compliant.' The Steelers, now, I don't know if they need it."

Kaboly has a valid point in terms of the salary cap. Players are going to demand more because their agents are fully away that teams have a bit more to spend. On top of that, the Steelers' top need is, arguably, wide receiver. It's not going to make sense to commit to a difference-maker financially if the individual would be overpriced any other offseason. That's simply not how Pittsburgh does business, and never will.

Pittsburgh has set itself up in a comfortable cap situation, but no one is quite sure where the money will go. It has been clear in recent years that investing financially in the defense has been a top priority, and the Steelers still need help on the defensive line and in the secondary. It's absolutely possible that the first few signings of free agency come on the defensive side, which would enrage the fan base.

The NFL has turned into an offensive-minded league, which has led to many criticizing Head Coach Mike Tomlin and how he seems to want to win football games. It just so happens that when the organization finally has loads of money to spend, the free agent pool at the skill positions is far from tempting. This makes for a unique situation that could trigger Khan to pursue a big-name wideout via trade, rather than inking one to a contract in free agency.

Regardless of what the Steelers decide to do in free agency, money is going to be spent. The bigger question becomes where that cash will be designated to go. There are a handful of critical positions, but not an overwhelming list of must-have free agents in those respective areas. That could provide a rather interesting predicament in the Steel City as the new league year gets underway.

Steelers' Best Chance For A Free Agent Splash Might Be On Defense

Top-end defensive linemen are getting paid a pretty penny nowadays. While it might make sense for Pittsburgh to bring back a familiar face like Javon Hargrave, the overall goal should be to get younger at the position. Rising stars such as Milton Williams from the Philadelphia Eagles or Osa Odighizuwa with the Dallas Cowboys could be two key names to watch in the coming weeks.

Do you think that the Steelers will be big spenders in free agency? Let us know in the comments below!

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