This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made significant adjustments in GM Mode on StickToTheModel, focusing on enhancing their roster, accumulating draft capital, and ensuring long-term salary cap flexibility.
The offseason plan unfolded with impressive results:
- Starting Cap Space: $47.1M
- Final Cap Space: $82.0M
- Players Cut: 2
- Contracts Restructured: 6
- Extensions: 1
- Trades Made: 2
- Free Agents Signed: 5
- Draft Picks: 17
- Overall Grade: A-
The Steelers adopted an aggressive strategy while also significantly boosting their available cap space.
Cuts
To create more financial room, the Steelers released two players:
- Patrick Queen – +$13.3M
- Malik Harrison – +$4.8M
Restructures
Six contracts were restructured to free up additional cap space:
- T.J. Watt – +$17.5M
- D.K. Metcalf – +$15.2M
- Jalen Ramsey – +$10.4M
- Alex Highsmith – +$5.7M
- Pat Freiermuth – +$4.5M
- Jaylen Warren – +$1.6M
Extension
In a strategic move, the Steelers secured Joey Porter Jr. on a long-term deal, fortifying their secondary.
Trades
The Steelers executed two trades to acquire valuable draft picks:
- Traded Alex Highsmith to Tennessee for 2026 Picks #35 and #66.
- Sent Nick Herbig to Carolina in exchange for 2026 Picks #51, #83, and #119.
These trades contributed to building one of the largest draft classes in the league.
Free Agency
Five players were added during free agency to enhance the defense and provide depth:
- Alec Pierce — WR, 3 years / $24.5M APY
- Jaylen Watson — CB, 2 years / $9.2M APY
- Nakobe Dean — LB, 2 years / $8.5M APY
- Jaelan Phillips — EDGE, 1 year / $7.6M APY
- Bryan Cook — S, 1 year / $6.5M APY
These signings primarily focused on bolstering the defense while introducing another receiving option.
Draft Class
The Steelers amassed a significant draft class consisting of 17 players:
- Round 1 — Pick 21: Peter Woods (DL3T, Clemson)
- Round 1 — Pick 23: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
- Round 2 — Pick 51: Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
- Round 2 — Pick 53: AJ Haulcy (S, LSU)
- Round 3 — Pick 83: Deontae Lawson (ILB, Alabama)
- Round 3 — Pick 85: Chandler Rivers (CBN, Duke)
- Round 3 — Pick 91: Deion Burks (WRS, Oklahoma)
- Round 3 — Pick 99: Kage Casey (OT, Boise State)
- Round 4 — Pick 119: Tyreak Sapp (DL5T, Florida)
- Round 4 — Pick 121: Sam Roush (TE, Stanford)
- Round 4 — Pick 126: Ar”maj Reed-Adams (OG, Texas A&M)
- Round 4 — Pick 135: Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan)
- Round 5 — Pick 160: Seth McGowan (RB, Kentucky)
- Round 6 — Pick 214: Devonta Smith (CB, Notre Dame)
- Round 6 — Pick 215: Markel Bell (OT, Miami)
- Round 7 — Pick 223: Quintayvionus Hutchins (EDGE, Boston College)
- Round 7 — Pick 236: Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU)
Final Take
The Steelers successfully balanced aggressive roster building with long-term cap flexibility, greatly increasing their available cap space while assembling one of the largest draft classes seen this offseason.
To experience managing your own NFL team, visit StickToTheModel, where you can engage in all aspects of team management including salary cap management, trades, free agent signings, and the draft.
