Pittsburgh Steelers free agency tracker 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy during the National Football League's two-day negotiating period, bringing in new players and retaining pieces from last season's team.
The new league year began on March 11, making some moves official after a hectic couple of days. The Steelers are remaking their roster under new head coach Mike McCarthy after losing to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. Pittsburgh has lost seven consecutive postseason games.
The Steelers are taking full advantage of their first chance to reshape their roster, as the 2026 NFL Draft looms. Here's a look at the Steelers' official moves during the 2026 NFL free agency period.
Steelers free agency tracker
Michael Pittman is a Steeler
Pittsburgh traded for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The 28-year-old pass-catcher brought in 80 passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He also inked a three-year contract extension with the black and gold.
Rico Dowdle signs with Pittsburgh
The Steelers added depth to their running back room by signing Rico Dowdle to a two-year deal. The former Carolina Panther had 1,076 yards rushing and six rushing touchdowns in 2025. He played for Steelers coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas for four seasons.
Jack Driscoll signs in Pittsburgh
The Steelers signed offensive lineman Jack Driscoll to a one-year contract. Driscoll spent time with the Steelers last season but did not appear in any games.
Jamel Dean picks the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jamel Dean is the Steelers' new cornerback No. 2. Dean, who comes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had nine pass defenses, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2025. He signed a three-year deal with the Steelers ahead of his age-30 season.
Jaquan Brisker signs with Steelers
Safety Jaquan Brisker signed a one-year contract with the Steelers. The 26-year-old defensive back spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears. Last season, Brisker started 17 regular-season games and both of the team's playoff games.
Sebastian Joseph-Day inks deal with Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh signed defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day to a two-year contract. He spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, starting 22 games. The seven-year NFL veteran has appeared in 105 games, including 90 starts.
Asante Samuel Jr. returns to Steelers
Asante Samuel Jr. re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal after proving he could still play after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2025. The 26-year-old cornerback joined the Steelers in November 2025 and started three games.
Cole Holcomb re-signs with Pittsburgh
Linebacker Cole Holcomb is back in Pittsburgh on a two-year deal. The veteran linebacker has spent the last two seasons with the Steelers, appearing in 22 games, including 11 starts.
Esezi Otomewo re-signs with Pittsburgh
Defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo signed a one-year deal with the Steelers. He appeared in 12 games last season.
Cameron Johnston back in Pittsburgh
Punter Cameron Johnston signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, replacing Corliss Waitman. Johnston previously signed with Pittsburgh in 2024 but dealt with injuries.
Players extended
The Steelers signed Cam Heyward to a one-year extension. The defensive lineman, who was in the final year of his contract, was a second-team All-Pro in 2025.
Players lost
Pittsburgh has lost four key pieces from last season's team, as running back Kenny Gainwell (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (Arizona Cardinals), cornerback James Pierre (Minnesota Vikings) and Calvin Austin (New York Giants) signed with new teams this offseason. Special teams standout Miles Killebrew also signed with the Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh also released tight end Jonnu Smith and offensive lineman Calvin Anderson. Smith was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Miami Dolphins last offseason.