Steelers Likely Prepared To Give Out Gigantic Contract To A Certain Defensive Free Agent

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of areas on the roster that need to be addressed during the 2025 offseason. One of the primary spots that needs an upgrade is the defensive line. Cam Heyward is still one of the best defensive tackles in the league, but he can't play forever. Pittsburgh needs to work to infuse some quality young talent into the room in order to set the franchise up for the present and future. This can begin in free agency, but the organization will likely attack the defensive line at least once in the 2025 NFL Draft as well.

Heyward is under contract for two more seasons, but the depth behind him is questionable at best for Pittsburgh. The fan base had high hopes for Keeanu Benton, but he is still working to reach his full potential. The defensive line is going to need some help in the near future, and a player like Milton Williams should be able to provide that. Williams is going to be a free agent, and he should be at the top of the list of priorities for General Manager Omar Khan. The defensive tackle could be a good investment, but he will come with a steep price.

This would be the largest contract given out to an external free agent in franchise history if the Steelers were to offer something similar, beating Patrick Queen's deal from the 2024 offseason. This would also add to what is already one of the highest-paid defenses in the league, as fans have been arguing that more resources need to be spent on a mediocre offense.

Williams made himself known to the nation during the Philadelphia Eagles win in Super Bowl LIX over the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams was able to sack Patrick Mahomes twice while also forcing and recovering a fumble. He was one of the best defensive players on the field during the game, which certainly increased his value prior to becoming a free agent. 

The defensive tackle just finished his fourth season in the NFL, all coming in Philadelphia. He has played in all but one game over his career, and he has recorded 11.5 sacks and 132 tackles. He is a large force in the middle of the defensive line, and he has been able to rush the passer and plug up holes in the run game. He is the kind of defender that the Steelers could use, but maybe not for $63 million.

There is a lot of recency bias when it comes to Williams, and that is mainly because of his performance in Super Bowl LIX. According to Spotrac, Williams should receive a three-year deal worth $53 million. A $10 million difference might not seem like much, but the lower the price tag the better, especially when it is a player who has started 19 games through four seasons.

Steelers' Defense Needs To Improve Dramatically With Another Big Signing

The Steelers are expected to be active in free agency, especially along the defensive line and at cornerback. The organization could give out a big deal at both positions, to plays like Williams and maybe Byron Murphy. That would be a large investment into what is already the highest-paid defense in the NFL, and results would have to be seen.

Pittsburgh had the highest-paid defense in the NFL during the 2024 season as well, and the defense played a huge role in the five-game losing streak to end the year. The defensive unit completely fell off of a cliff, and barely any coaching changes were made. The fan base would really like to see the franchise poor some more money into the offensive side of the football, so the defense better be the best in the league in 2025 if some of these large contracts come to fruition.

What do you think about signing Williams? Let us know in the comments below!

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