The Pittsburgh Steelers went all out for wave 1 of NFL free agency, making big-time trades for players like Michael Pittman and adding valuable pieces to their offense and defense via signings all week long.

There are still some holes to be filled on the roster, most notably at left guard and of course quarterback. Perhaps the draft solves the former and Aaron Rodgers solves the latter. For now, though, we will project what the Steelers roster will look like come opening day in September after all the big moves from last week.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 way-to-early 53-man roster projection

Quarterback (3, eventually)

In: Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, Aaron Rodgers/Rookie
Out: N/A

Skinny: Time will tell if and when Aaron Rodgers makes his return to the Steelers. The only two signal callers under contract right now are Howard and Rudolph, which tells you that either Rodgers is coming back or the Steelers will be adding a third passer in the draft.

Running back (3)

In: Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson
Out: Lew Nichols

Skinny: If the Steelers can get anything out of Johnson in year two, this suddenly turns into a great running back room for the Steelers. Dowdle will bring back what the Steelers lost in Najee Harris, and each back has a unique identity.

Wide Receiver (5)

In: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson, A.T. Perry
Out: Max Hurleman, Cole Burgess, John Rhys Plumlee, Brandon Smith

Skinny: This room will certainly look different after the draft, but having finally found their WR No. 2 via Pittman is a major win for the Steelers. Now they can look to add a young option in the mid rounds, and if you get anything out of Wilson, then that’s the cherry on top.

Tight End (3)

In: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, JJ Galbreath
Out: N/A

Skinny: After letting go of Jonnu Smith, the Steelers have a clear duo with Washington and Muth, and one that should work off one another, rather than cannibalize each other. Look for the Steelers to add some depth in the draft as well.

Offensive Tackles (5)

In: Broderick Jones, Dylan Cooks, Aiden Williams, Troy Fautanu, Doug Nester
Out: N/A

Skinny: There is still a lot left to be figured out at the left tackle spot for the Steelers, but let’s assume that Broderick Jones gets cleared medically and can play. He would approach what in all likelihood will be the final year of his rookie deal as the Steelers have a decision on his fifth-year option looming.

Interior Offensive Line (5)

In: Spencer Anderson, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Lorenzo Thompson, Jack Driscoll
Out: Sataoa Laumea, Steven Jones

Skinny: With Isaac Seumalo leaving for the Arizona Cardinals, there is now a gaping hole at the left guard position in Pittsburgh. I expect the Steelers to address that in the draft and with some depth additions in the latter parts of free agency.

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Outside Linebacker (4)

In: T.J. Watt, Jack Sawyer, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
Out: Julius Welschof

Skinny: This position group remains the heart and soul of the Steelers, and while some extra darts may be thrown at the board down the road, Pittsburgh may have the best quartet of pass rushers in the NFL.

Interior Defensive Line (6)

In: Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph Day, Esezi Otomewo
Out: KJ Henry, Kyler Baugh, Logan Lee, Jahvaree Ritzie

Skinny: The Steelers re-signed Otomewo and added a nice piece to the unit with Joseph-Day later in the week. The three at the top are stamped with Heyward also signing a new deal that ties him to Pittsburgh through the 2027 season.

Inside Linebacker (5)

In: Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
Out: N/A

Skinny: Despite all the trade rumors, Queen still remains a part of the LB corps with the Steelers, and Holcomb was among the first moves of the week after he signed a new deal in Pittsburgh. We’ll see if Wilson can take a leap and get back into the starting lineup.

Cornerback (7)

In: Joey Porter Jr. Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols, Cory Trice Jr., Donte Kent
Out: Daequan Hardy, D’Shawn Jamison

Skinny: The marquee addition here was of course, Dean, who now forms a terrific trio of corners between him, Ramsey, and Porter Jr. Samuel Jr. was also signed to a new deal, and the Steelers CB room looks both strong and deep.

Safety (4)

In: Jaquan Brisker, DeShon Elliott, Darnell Savage, Sebastian Castro
Out: Jack Henderson

Skinny: One of the more active position groups, the Steelers added both Savage and Brisker to that room over the course of a few days, and it was needed. The Steelers had only one starter under contract with Elliot prior, and I would be shocked if they were done there.

Specialists (3)

In: Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Out: Cal Adomtis

Skinny: The return of Johnston over a simple re-signing of Corliss Waitman (who is now with the 49ers) is a wild one to me, but the Steelers see something there and keep their kicking and longsnapping tandem in place.

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