The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very important offseason up ahead, as it will be the first with new Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Now that he has assembled his coaching staff, the next step for him will be to determine which players should be brought back and who should leave. With the number of aging players on the roster, there is expected to be plenty of turnover from 2025 to 2026. As the first dead period of the offseason is upon fans, players could be re-signed sooner rather than later.Â
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Steelers new Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan during the 2026 offseason.
Steelers’ Targets To Keep
1.) CB Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. was a late addition to the 2025 team, but he proved that he still has the talent necessary to be a starting cornerback in the NFL. After he gets back into the swing of things with the offseason program, he can go back to his great form from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers. He should also be able to come cheap, as he did not play many games, and other teams may be scared off by his recent back surgery.
Potential Contract: Two years, $9 million, $5 million guaranteed.
2.) WR Calvin Austin III
The Steelers are expected to lose a lot of talent at the wide receiver position. Getting the speedy Calvin Austin III back would be a boost to the unit, and it would allow the room to be more malleable. He can be the second option until a rookie steps up and breaks out, to which the former fourth-round pick would fit well in the third spot. With McCarthy’s 11-personnel offense, Austin wouldn’t have to fight too hard for playing time.
Potential Contract: Three years, $15 million, $7 million guaranteed.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Calvin Austin III and the special teams’ unit after returning a punt for a touchdown against the New York Giants in 2024.
3.) CB James Pierre
After years of being a depth piece and special teamer, James Pierre broke out in 2025 with a very solid campaign, showing that he can at least be a quality cornerback in a pinch. With questions surrounding Samuel’s long-term health, the former undrafted free agent could either stick around as the primary backup or split time with him while also helping to lock down special teams when needed.
Potential Contract: Two years, $7 million, $3 million guaranteed.
Players That The Steelers Should Let Go Of
1.) RB Kenneth Gainwell
Yes, it’s very unusual to be okay with letting the Team MVP just walk away, but that is the case here. Kenneth Gainwell played way better than anyone expected, but at the same time, running backs are very replaceable in the current NFL. On top of that, Kaleb Johnson needs his chance to prove himself. Maybe he gets brought back if teams don’t pay him what he expects, but it should not be a priority at least.Â
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Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
2.) S Kyle Dugger
Like Gainwell, Kyle Dugger was great for the value he provided. However, the Steelers need to get younger, and the veteran safety did not do well in the last few weeks of the season. Pittsburgh will likely use a mid-round pick on that position to develop behind DeShon Elliott and Jalen Ramsey, which would mean Dugger would be the odd man out anyways. He did well for the being a low-risk trade acquisition, but that was it.
3.) TE/FB Connor Heyward
Connor Heyward thrived as a special teamer and a tush push specialist, but McCarthy’s new offense is not as friendly to players like him as Arthur Smith’s was. Tight end and fullback will most likely not be nearly as much of a priority as those positions once were. His spot on the roster would likely go to another wide receiver to continue to add depth at that position while the tight end room shrinks down.
What do you think about this list of free agents to keep or not? Who would you add to the list? Let us know on XÂ at @Steelers_ChrisB.