The Pittsburgh Steelers have filled just about every single hole on the roster after the 2026 NFL Draft. There appears to be some quality depth across the team, but as general managers like Omar Khan know, there is no such thing as too much depth. You never know when unfortunate circumstances strike and an entire position group goes down, like the linebacker and safety core from the 2023 season. No matter how good a lineup looks, there is always a way to improve it in some way throughout the offseason and regular season.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Owner Art Rooney II on the field at a team practice while having a discussion.
Now that we're in May, many players will likely be willing to take cheaper deals to make sure they have a place to play in the 2026 season. That is especially the case for Pittsburgh, as the free agents would prefer to sign with a team that will be playing meaningful games in December and January, when their services may be needed.
1) Elandon Roberts, ILB
The first option would be a reunion in more ways than one. There has been some talk around how the Steelers made a mistake by allowing Elandon Roberts to walk in free agency after the 2024 season. The veteran has done nothing but play fundamentally sound football his entire career, whether he's on the field for every snap, or acts as more of a rotational piece. He would be welcomed back to Pittsburgh with open arms.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Payton Wilson and Elandon Roberts make a tackle on Ravens running back Derrick Henry in 2024.
Roberts would also be reunited with Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, who ran the defense for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 and helped put the veteran linebacker in good spots. This new and improved defensive scheme is built for men like the journeyman to thrive, as it relies more on the player's strengths and getting tackles than forcing a ton of takeaways and sacks.
2) Pharaoh Brown, TE
Speaking of journeymen that can play a role, Pharaoh Brown has made a living off being a blocking tight end. With the Steelers getting smaller on the front with fewer tight end sets, they could use an experienced blocker that can come in on short-yardage situations and act as an extra offensive lineman. There is still a need for a TE3, so he could come in and compete and/or mentor the undrafted free agents at the position.
Of course, the Steelers do have Darnell Washington as the big tight end, but he is also expected to see more routes after his breakout season in 2025. On top of that, putting him and Brown on the same side will continue to add extra gaps to the offensive line, which will help Pittsburgh's weak short-yardage offense get going. It worked well in the previous season, so it shouldn't hurt to bring Brown in.
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With Khan and his staff running the show, there is never enough big men in the trenches. That leads us to our next top free agent of need for Pittsburgh.
3) DJ Reader, DT
DJ Reader has been a consistent force in the defensive line while playing almost every single spot in that position in his career. He will not hesitate to do the dirty work in whichever spot is necessary. He may not get a ton of playing time at first, but the second someone gets injured, he will be able to be plugged into that spot.
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DJ Reader celebrates after making a big play in Super Bowl LVI.
Bringing in guys like Reader and Roberts would continue to help out Graham's plan on defense: play big and physical without cheating to try and make a splash play. The Steelers have brought in plenty of guys to fit that mold, and with the endless need for more depth, it would not be shocking to see any of these guys end up becoming Steelers before the 2026 regular season officially kicks off.
Who do you think the Steelers should sign next? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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