The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have the ability to be extremely aggressive once free agency opens up on March 12th. The organization is top 10 in the NFL when it comes to cap space for the 2025 season, and they'll have the ability to be able to reshape their roster. Thankfully for Pittsburgh, a lot of the positions where the Steelers are weak will have plenty of talent on the open market whether that be through free agency, a trade, or the NFL Draft.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Pittsburgh has a lot of holes to shore up throughout its roster, and those holes are most noticeable at wide receiver, running back, and along the defensive line. There are premiere players at all of these positions that are expected to be available, so there is no excuse for General Manager Omar Khan not to upgrade the roster.
Team insider Mark Kaboly hosted a mailbag on X on Thursday, and he shared a list of realistic free agent targets for the organization.
"[Justin] Fields, J.K. Dobbins, Keenan Allen, Christian Kirk, [Jonathan] Allen, DJ Jones, DJ Reed, Bryon Murphy," Kaboly wrote.
Justin Fields is the only player from the 2024 roster to make the list for Kaboly. The organization is leaning towards him being the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, and the two sides are working to get a deal done before the start of free agency. Outside of Fields, Kaboly listed two wide receivers, two defensive linemen, a running back, and two cornerbacks.
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Steelers' Justin Fields arrives at training camp in Latrobe ahead of the 2024 season.
If the Steelers are able to land a quality player in free agency at each position mentioned by Kaboly, the organization should be in a good spot to compete during the 2025 season. Kaboly listed Keenan Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler, and Christian Kirk as options at wide receiver. Kirk was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Keenan is scheduled to be a free agent. Keenan is older and has already stated he doesn't want to play somewhere new, which makes it seem like Kirk is more realistic.
Kaboly also listed out two defensive lineman, including Jonathan Allen and DJ Jones. Allen is currently being shopped by the Washington Commanders, but he could be released if they cannot find a new home for him via trade. Jones is scheduled to become a free agent, and he is expected to be paid roughly $11 million per season.
JK Dobbins is the other offensive piece mentioned by Kaboly, as the Steelers are likely to move on from Najee Harris at running back. Dobbins had a career resurgence in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, and he could be a good fit alongside Jaylen Warren in the backfield in Pittsburgh.
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Vikings' Byron Murphy during an away game with Minnesota in 2024.
Steelers Have Group Of Quality Cornerbacks To Choose From
The Steelers need help in the secondary, and there are plenty of choices to choose from in free agency. At the top of the list at cornerback is Byron Murphy and DJ Reed, who were both mentioned by Kaboly. Murphy is only 27-years old and he is coming off of his first Pro Bowl appearance during the 2024 season, and he is expected to command roughly $22 million per year on whatever contract he signs during free agency. This would likely be the largest contract given out by the Steelers to a free agent in franchise history.
Reed is a little cheaper, but he could be just as effective. In addition to Reed and Murphy, Charvarius Ward is another option at cornerback that could be considered by Pittsburgh. Both Reed and Ward are likely to leave their current teams in free agency, while Murphy's future is little more up in the air. Either way, Pittsburgh needs a quality cornerback to play opposite Joey Porter Jr.
What free agent do you want to see the Steelers acquire during the 2025 offseason? Let us know in the comments below!
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