As the NFL’s 2026 season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing crucial decisions concerning numerous upcoming free agents, including whether to retain key contributors or let them depart. Evaluating their roster’s futures amid coaching changes and salary considerations, the team must weigh who fits best with the vision moving forward. This article reviews the likely outcomes for the Steelers’ unrestricted free agents, highlighting those expected to stay and those poised to leave.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ Future Remains Uncertain
Determining Aaron Rodgers’ plans remains challenging, with possibilities ranging from retirement to another season in Pittsburgh. Reports indicated Rodgers might retire at the end of 2025, especially following Mike Tomlin’s resignation as head coach. However, with Mike McCarthy’s hiring, who has history with Rodgers, a return for at least one more season seems plausible. His performance in 2025 was strong, his health steady, and there’s a 60 percent chance he opts to play another year.
Prediction: Stays
Running Back Gainwell Faces a Competitive Market
Gainwell’s breakout 2025 season earned him the team’s MVP recognition, underscoring his durability and value to the Steelers. Despite Pittsburgh’s apparent interest in signing him again, his elevated profile will attract other teams offering more enticing roles, particularly those that emphasize his passing skills more heavily. Given these factors, it appears likely that Gainwell will pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Prediction: Leaves
Offensive Lineman Seumalo’s Injury History Clouds Future With Steelers
Seumalo contributed solid play when healthy but suffered recurring soft-tissue injuries throughout 2025. At over 30 years old and likely to command a higher salary than the previous contract, the Steelers may opt to explore younger or less costly options, including their interest in Spencer Anderson. Maintaining offensive line continuity is important, but salary and durability concerns make Seumalo’s return questionable.
Prediction: Leaves
Safety Dugger’s Role Limited, Departure Expected
After being traded to replace DeShon Elliott, Dugger provided only average performances and lacked the speed the Steelers need in their secondary. With Elliott healthy and better suited for the defense, Dugger’s minimal impact and limited upside suggest Pittsburgh will let him move on, especially with a new coaching staff seeking different skill sets.
Prediction: Leaves
Killebrew’s Departure Appears Imminent Following Injury and Age Factors
Although his home sale alone is not definitive, multiple indications including his approaching 33rd birthday and recovery from a torn ACL imply Killebrew’s time in Pittsburgh is over. He is expected to spend the offseason rehabilitating and may follow former staff member Danny Smith to Tampa Bay, indicating the end of his tenure with the Steelers.
Prediction: Leaves
Heyward’s Versatility May Secure Another Season
Mike McCarthy’s evaluation of Heyward remains unclear as the player could be viewed as an H-back filling multiple roles or miscast at tight end, similar to Hunter Luepke’s use in Dallas. Heyward’s contribution on special teams, plus the opportunity to remain alongside his brother on the Steelers, gives him an edge in staying, though a move elsewhere cannot be ruled out.
Prediction: Stays
Backup Nose Tackle Ekuale Likely to Be Replaced
Ekuale provided serviceable depth before suffering an ACL tear in 2025. With a coaching overhaul underway, the Steelers will likely revamp the lower part of their roster, bringing in new backup options rather than retaining Ekuale.
Prediction: Leaves
Injury Prevents Lowry’s Return
Spending 2025 on injured reserve due to an ACL tear suffered in training camp, Lowry will not return to the Steelers lineup in 2026.
Prediction: Leaves
Holcomb’s Comeback Efforts Insufficient Amid Youth Movement
Despite demonstrating admirable resilience recovering from a severe knee injury and making a few plays as a base linebacker in 2025, Holcomb’s age and lack of significant special teams contributions diminish his prospects. With the Steelers emphasizing youth and speed, and a new coaching staff in place, it seems likely that Holcomb will not be retained.
Prediction: Leaves
Offensive Lineman Peat Offers Stability Amid Uncertainty
Though not irreplaceable, Peat’s connection to assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans, who coached him in New Orleans, and the uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones’ health underscore Peat’s value. The Steelers face limited affordable veteran options, making Peat’s re-signing a practical choice to help anchor the offensive line.
Prediction: Stays
Safety Clark Provides Depth as Steelers Weigh Options
Near the close of his career, Clark offers valuable depth at safety, an area with limited veteran presence on the roster. Having played over 400 defensive snaps in 2025, he is a likely candidate to return as a reserve support player amid a roster in flux.
Prediction: Stays
Receiver Miller Expected to Move On Amid Offensive Changes
Serving versatile roles during his two years with the Steelers, Miller’s departure is probable now that Arthur Smith is no longer with the team. Pittsburgh has acknowledged the need to overhaul their receiving corps, and Miller may find a short-term contract elsewhere as the Steelers pursue a fresh start.
Prediction: Leaves
Peppers’ Narrow Role Makes Retention Unlikely
Added late in the season for inside linebacker depth and special roles, Peppers’ contributions are limited in scope. With the new coaching staff aiming for upgrades through free agency and the draft, he is expected to be among the players not retained.
Prediction: Leaves
Valdes-Scantling Could Return as Veteran Depth at Wide Receiver
Combining size, speed, and familiarity with both Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, Valdes-Scantling stands a good chance to rejoin Pittsburgh on a low-cost, one-year deal. This would provide experienced insurance as the Steelers look to boost their wide receiver group early in free agency and the draft.
Prediction: Stays
Cornerback Pierre’s Strong Season Could Merit Re-Signing
After a career-best campaign in 2025, Pierre fits well into Patrick Graham’s man-coverage scheme and warrants another contract if the price is right. Pittsburgh should balance re-signing him alongside pursuing a long-term cornerback solution through the draft.
Prediction: Stays
Samuel More Likely to Leave Than Return
The Steelers show openness to bringing back Samuel; however, considering available options, James Pierre has a slight edge for retention. Samuel’s solid health and on-field performance in 2025 could well attract interest from other teams.
Prediction: Leaves
Receiver Austin to Find Opportunities Elsewhere
Austin’s clutch plays and strong work ethic earned respect, but Pittsburgh aims for significant upgrades at receiver, prioritizing size and impact at the No. 2 spot. Consequently, Austin is expected to move on, likely finding a role as a typical No. 3 receiver with another team.
Prediction: Leaves
Loudermilk’s Role Will Be Filled by New Additions
Following an ankle sprain that sidelined him for most of 2025, Loudermilk serves as a rotational run stuffer whom the Steelers can replace with more robust depth, making his return unlikely.
Prediction: Leaves
Restricted Free Agents Facing Uncertain Futures
All the Steelers’ restricted free agents confront rising financial expectations. It is improbable most will receive tenders, with Waitman likely to leave outright. Otomewo and McCollum may re-sign on reduced contracts below the original tender amounts, allowing Pittsburgh to manage salary cap concerns while maintaining some depth.
Projected Counts for Departures and Retentions
Summarizing the outlook for the team’s unrestricted free agents, twelve players are expected to depart, while six are projected to remain with the Steelers heading into the 2026 season. These decisions reflect the organization’s focus on refreshing the roster with youth and managing salary factors amid a coaching transition.
Terms: #Steelers are signing former #Eagles G Isaac Seumalo to a 3-year, $24M contract, per source.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 19, 2023
