To say the offseason has been busy thus far for the Pittsburgh Steelers is an understatement. Under a new regime, what will the team look like? What will the roster look like? Thinking ahead to 2026, I took a look at the list of free agents that were members of the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. While I don’t want to exhaust you all with the full list, there were 6 names that I would love to see back in the ‘Burgh next season.

1. Kenneth Gainwell

In my opinion, this has to be a top priority for the Steelers. Even with a new coaching staff, I think it’s hard for anyone to ignore just how much of an impact he had offensively last season. He came up huge in both the run and pass game, and he was a bright spot on an offense that certainly had its struggles at times. My favorite play from him this season, by far, was his 45-yard touchdown catch to end the first half against the Detroit Lions. If you didn’t see it, do yourself a favor and go watch that highlight. It was a catch that I honestly don’t think most wide receivers would have made. There have even been reports that some believe he has the best hands on the team.

Looking at his stats in 2025, Gainwell rushed 114 times for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry. As a receiver, Gainwell caught 73 passes for 486 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 486 receiving yards were tied for second on the team for the year, behind only DK Metcalf. While his rushing yards for the year aren’t going to wow anyone, he also shared a backfield with Jaylen Warren. That has to be taken into consideration when looking at his numbers.

Maybe I missed the mark on this one, but I definitely was not expecting Gainwell to have the impact that he did on this Steelers team. It was a pleasant surprise, and I loved watching him more and more down the stretch of the season. It’s hard to showcase your talents when you’re sitting behind Saquon Barkley. Gainwell showed just how valuable and talented he is in 2025 when he was given more opportunities. If the Steelers resign Gainwell, he’ll have the opportunity to continue to showcase his talents in the black and gold. I love myself some Jaylen Warren; he runs hard, and I never get sick of watching him carry the football. I was ecstatic when Pittsburgh resigned him. However, I think he and the Steelers are both better off with Gainwell in the running backs room. I will pound the table for this one until the end of time! Please resign Kenny G and keep building around that run game.

2. Aaron Rodgers

This one is probably going to take some heat. Prior to the start of the 2025 season, I was adamant that I didn’t want Rodgers to be signed. I was concerned not about his talent, but I was concerned that he might not be great for the locker room. I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, as it felt like many of his teammates enjoyed his presence on the roster. They wanted to play for him, and that speaks volumes about his leadership and his impact on the team. I’m glad I was wrong about this.

Rodgers is 42 years old. Sure, he’s not the player he used to be. It would be more exciting to see the Steelers make a super aggressive move and trade away the family fortune for Fernando Mendoza. There are people out there, I’m sure, who want to see them take a flyer on Daniel Jones or Malik Willis. However, I think acquiring Mendoza is pretty unrealistic. Daniel Jones is interesting, but he’s coming off a major injury. He also won’t be cheap, as he was having a great season prior to getting hurt. I know the athletic ability is there, but I’m not totally sold on Malik Willis. In sum, comparing Rodgers to the other options that may be available to the Steelers, I think Rodgers is likely the best option.

Rodgers also has the chance to reunite with Mike McCarthy. The two men worked together for years in Green Bay, earning a Super Bowl championship along the way. For whatever it’s worth, their familiarity with each other may help with offensive scheme and production.

As much as this move might not be exciting, it makes a ton of sense. I would like to see the Steelers bring Rodgers back for another “last hurrah”.

3. Miles Killebrew

Killebrew has been a mainstay on special teams for his entire tenure with Pittsburgh. He’s proven to be incredibly valuable to the franchise. I know he’s an older player at this point and is coming off of a knee injury. However, with all the changes occurring, including the exit of Special Teams coach Danny Smith, Killebrew’s experience and leadership could be really helpful.

Even if it’s just a 1-year “prove it” deal post-injury, I would like to see Killebrew back to captain the Special Teams unit again. Bring the man back to help that squad transition into this new regime.

4. James Pierre

I’m nowhere the analyst that Coach KT Smith is, and I’m not going to pretend to be an expert in schemes and film breakdown. What I will say is that I actually really like James Pierre. While he’s been a Steeler for a long time, he played some really good ball last season when he was called upon. It might not be the flashiest move, but I think Pierre provides a lot to the cornerback room.

I say resign the man and get some quality depth at cornerback moving forward. It’s one less position to worry about filling, and it shouldn’t break the bank.

5. Corliss Waitman

This is boring and he’s a punter. I know. However, a solid punter is money when playing the field position game. Over the past several seasons, the Steelers have not performed stellar offensively and relied on their defense and playing field position. While this may be very different in 2026, for a team with that track record historically, a good punter is essential. Waitman has stayed healthy and been consistent throughout his career. Last year, nearly 42% of his punts were inside the 20-yard line. I see no reason to not resign him and continue to have good, solid production from that position.

6. Kyle Dugger

The Steelers brought in several men at safety this past season, including Chuck Clark, Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, and, technically, Jalen Ramsey. Leaving Ramsey out of this discussion, who I loved watching play in 2025, I would choose Dugger out of the remaining men to return. I know there were moments this season where Dugger gave up a big play or could have performed better, but I also think the defense looked better after his acquisition from New England.

Ideally, Pittsburgh upgrades the safety position through the draft. However, I think resigning Dugger is a good backup plan and, at the very least, is a quality depth piece. Worst case scenario, you have a starter for the 2026 season that can contribute to the team in a positive way.

What are your thoughts? Would have leave any of these men off your wish list? Feel free to join the discussion below!