A sleeper at RB, a perfect fit at CB, and a versatile WR highlight 3 underrated 2026 free agents to watch for the Steelers
Here are 3 names to keep an eye on for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency this week.
2026 NFL free agency is here (well, almost), and while everyone will be excited to see where the big names go, it’s often Tuesday and Wednesday additions that can make a huge difference for a team. And while the Steelers have the cap space to be big money spenders, they have traditionally been bargain shoppers in the market.
DK Metcalf was traded for, as was Jalen Ramsey, and outside of Patrick Queen, any player with a high average annual salary is a homegrown talent in Pittsburgh. So with that in mind, here are three underrated free agent targets for the Steelers this week.
3 Underrated 2026 NFL free agency targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Underrated target No. 1: CB Eric Stokes
The 27-year-old former first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers signed a one year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason after his rookie contract expired in Green Bay and now he’s back on the open market.
Signing Stokes kills two birds with one stone. The Steelers have a very obvious hole at the cornerback No. 2 spot with both James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. hitting free agency. You could argue that Stokes has a higher ceiling, but he also has familiarity. Patrick Graham will be the defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh this year after spending the last four years with Vegas. He could be inclined to bring a familar face to his defense.
Underrated target No. 2: Sean Tucker, RB
Let’s just say that the Steelers do in fact, lose 2025 team MVP Kenny Gainwell to free agency this week. If so, they will need to replace him. The NFL Draft isn’t as deep as it normally is at running back, and the free agent pool is deep, especially after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided not to tender Tucker.
He’s less of a true dual threat than Gainwell, but that’s the role that Kaleb Johnson should assume in what the Steelers are hoping will be a big sophomore campaign after a disappointing year one. Tucker would bring a physical presence and power back to the Steelers’ stable.
Underrated target No. 3: WR Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel doesn’t have the same juice and luster that he did with the San Francisco 49ers, but he’s fine as a veteran dart throw in my opinion. The Steelers need to be in the market for as many wide receivers as they can, espeically with Calvin Austin III signaling he could be ready for a change. They need to take as many swings as they can and at all differnet levels.
A big time trade, some priority signings and addressing the position the in the NFL Draft should all be on the table. Samuel just turned 30 years old, and he had nearly 800 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns for a Commanders offense that was all over the place in 2025. He’s a versatile chess piece that would work well in Pittsburgh.
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