Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL free agency tracker: All signings and departures

Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers finished 10–7 and captured the division title for the first time since 2020. However, their playoff run ended early, prompting the front office to make several moves aimed at strengthening the roster.

But one major question still remains. Who will be the starting quarterback next season? Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers has yet to confirm whether he plans to return for another year.

Steelers free agency additions

So far, the Steelers have brought in several new players:

• WR Michael Pittman Jr.
• RB Rico Dowdle
• CB Jamel Dean
• S Jaquan Brisker
• S Darnell Savage
• DT Esezi Otomewo - one-year contract
• CB Asante Samuel Jr. - one-year contract
• OT Jack Driscoll - one-year contract
• LB Cole Holcomb - two-year contract
• DT Cameron Heyward - new two-year contract
• P Cameron Johnston - one-year contract

Michael Pittman Jr.

The wide receiver arrives from the Indianapolis Colts via trade. Pittsburgh quickly signed him to a three-year, $59 million contract extension. Pittman had been entering the final year of the three-year deal he originally signed with Indianapolis in 2024.

Over his NFL career, Pittman has recorded 485 receptions for 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Rico Dowdle

Dowdle joins the Steelers from the Carolina Panthers and will share the backfield with Jaylen Warren.

The running back has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. Before his time in Carolina, he also played for the Dallas Cowboys.

Jamel Dean

Dean signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract with Pittsburgh. He was originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft with the 94th overall pick in the third round.

Jaquan Brisker

Brisker arrives from the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal worth $5.5 million. During his time in Chicago, he appeared in 52 games and started every one of them.

Cameron Heyward

Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward agreed to a new two-year contract worth $32.25 million, including $16.25 million fully guaranteed.

Heyward remains one of the team’s most important leaders and continues to serve as one of the Steelers’ captains.

Key departures

Despite adding several players, the Steelers have also seen some notable departures. Running back Kenneth Gainwell left the team to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tight end Jonnu Smith was also released after just one season with the team. The move will save Pittsburgh about $7 million in salary cap space.

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