First Impressions: Steelers Rumble Through Sizzling Scorchers as 'Football Fever' Booms North!
Here's a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest winners and losers after the first week of 2026 NFL free agency.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the second wave of 2026 NFL free agency , there are plenty of winners and losers to analyze on the roster moving forward. Taking a look at some of the most exciting moves from the opening week of free agency and how they impact players already on the roster, here are the Steelers ' biggest winners and losers. Winners DK Metcalf Metcalf won't be tasked with shouldering all the receiver responsibilities any longer, as Michael Pittman has arrived in Pittsburgh and should take some of the heat off the Steelers WR1.
Secondary Signing cornerback Jamel Dean, cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. , and safety Jaquan Brisker, the Steelers have completely overhauled their secondary. With Joey Porter Jr.
and Jalen Ramsey already at their disposal, Pittsburgh may have a top-3 secondary following the first week of free agency. Patrick Queen Queen survived the initial round of trade rumors and cap casualty speculation that came with the first week of free agency, as the Steelers linebacker is seemingly here to stay, carrying a projected cap hit of $17. 1 million into 2026.
Losers Offensive line Isaac Seumalo, arguably the Steelers' best offensive lineman over the past three seasons, departed as a free agent, and Pittsburgh wasn't able to find his replacement at left guard yet. It's safe to say the offensive line was the biggest loser out of all the positional units on the roster. DeShon Elliott As difficult as it is to place the ever-talented Elliott in this category, he is coming off a serious knee and hamstring injury that forced him to miss the majority of the 2025 season.