The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a productive free agency so far in 2025, but have holes left in their roster to repair. While the team tries to sign more players, they may be missing out on some promising prospects for an embarrassing reason.
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San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White.
Despite the Steelers' offseason successes so far, the team has missed out on some key free agents, and it isn't for lack of trying. Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan, host Joe Starkey covered the Steelers' latest missteps in free agency.
"Kyle Juszczyk came from the 49ers, a fullback which they could use since they pretend to be a running offense, and he was reportedly offered more money here (Pittsburgh) and went back there," Starkey noted.
If players are reportedly turning their noses up at the Steelers, and willingly taking a pay cut to play for other teams, it raises serious questions about the team culture and leadership in Pittsburgh. Starkey also mentioned the rumors that Head Coach Mike Tomlin lies to players as a reason that some free agents may be avoiding the team.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf during his time playing with the Seattle Seahawks.
It's hard to think the Steelers have had that hard of an offseason so far, having gotten wide receiver DK Metcalf, running back Kenneth Gainwell, and many more valuable depth pieces. However, much of the team's major free agency signings have been on offense. Without a quarterback, the effectiveness of all the Steelers' offensive weapons remains to be seen. While Metcalf has stated that he isn't concerned with the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh, it could be off-putting for other offensive players, like Kyle Juszczyk, who would likely be more comfortable with a starting signal-caller lined up for next season.
"A fringe playoff spot, and then an immediate departure is what they (the Steelers) contend for," said Starkey on the Steelers' situation. "There's a myth that's constantly pushed, about how players are falling over themselves in the NFL to play for Mike Tomlin like this is the dream of all NFL players. Well, why isn't Justin Fields here?"
In an organization like the Steelers, with as long of a playoff losing streak as they have, almost everyone and everything has gotten blamed at some point when looking for answers. Tomlin has been the subject of much criticism, from fans and former league players alike. Is he to blame for turning away potential players? Although the head coach has had his adversities, many still see him as a strong head coach, and leaving Tomlin behind wouldn't be the right kind of change the team needs.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Recently acquired defensive back Darius Slay, offered a glowing review of Tomin and said he was excited to play for the head coach. Although Starkey has said there may be plenty of players who want to avoid the Steelers because of Tomlin, it's certainly not all of them. Tomlin's growing unpopularity is more likely the product of the team's struggles in the playoffs than any of the head coach's character flaws.
There Are Certainly Some Unattractive Aspects About Becoming A Member Of The Pittsburgh Steelers
The two most talked about issues currently faced by Pittsburgh are the quarterback situation and Tomlin's viability as a coach. The truth is, it's probably a mix of both. While individual players will all have their own expectations for a potential new team, it may be the general attitude of uncertainty in Pittsburgh. The team is looking for its first playoff win since the 2016 season, and the unfilled void at quarterback isn't giving anyone confidence.
As long as the issue at quarterback persists, the team's other problems will remain secondary. Once a signal-caller is found to build the roster around, the team may begin to fall into place from there and become a more promising landing spot for free agents.
Do you think free agents should want to land with the Steelers? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!
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