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Ranking Steelers' top 5 free agents by importance
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- Ranking Steelers' top 5 free agents by importance
Free agency is just around the corner, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of losing several talented players on both sides of the football.
With around $40 million in cap space to spend this offseason, the Steelers have a few key decisions to make in order to keep some of their best playmakers in Pittsburgh. Here's a look at the Steelers' top five free agents, ranked in order of importance.
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5. WR Calvin Austin
Austin has had an up-and-down start to his NFL career with Pittsburgh, riddled with injuries and size concerns, but also with flashes of greatness. As the league continues to evolve, the Steelers would be wise to hold onto Austin in a WR3 and special teams returner role.
4. CB James Pierre
Emerging from a practice squad hopeful to a legitimate starting cornerback, Pierre remains the lone must-sign free agent on Pittsburgh's defensive roster. At worst, he'd serve as a top backup cornerback. And at best, he'd team with Joey Porter Jr. to form one of the league's best cornerback duos.
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3. G Isaac Seumalo
Although reports suggest Seumalo will test free agency, he's been arguably the best offensive lineman on the Steelers roster since 2023. Even at 32 years old, Seumalo presents the Steelers their best option at left guard out of every potential free agent heading into 2026.
2. RB Kenneth Gainwell
Gainwell's breakout year was a pleasant surprise last season, as he proved his usefulness as a dual-threat running back en route to the first 1,000-yard season of his career. Voted Steelers 2025 MVP by his teammates, Pittsburgh needs to keep Gainwell in the Black and Gold as long as possible.
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1. QB Aaron Rodgers
Expected to make a decision regarding his NFL future in a few weeks, Rodgers once again has the Steelers in the palm of his hand heading into free agency. After a solid 2025 season, it's clear Pittsburgh needs him back for one last run with head coach Mike McCarthy.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' top 5 free agents ranked ahead of 2026 new league year
