Steelers' Big Decisions: Who Stays, Who Goes in 2026?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a pivotal 2026 offseason, and it's going to be a fascinating watch. After a 9-8 finish in 2025 that saw them miss the playoffs by a single game, the pressure is on Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin to retool. The salary cap situation isn't dire, but they've got some big names hitting the open market and some tough calls to make.
Let's start with the offense, where the biggest question mark outside of the quarterback room is running back Najee Harris. Harris, who just wrapped up his fifth season with 1,124 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, is an unrestricted free agent. He's been a workhorse, averaging over 1,000 yards in each of his five seasons, including a career-high 1,229 in 2024. But running backs have a short shelf life, and the Steelers already drafted Jaylen Warren in 2023. Warren showed flashes, ripping off a 68-yard run against the Ravens last October. My gut says they let Harris walk. It's a cold business, but paying a running back big money in this era, especially one who's already taken a beating, feels like a mistake. They'll probably roll with Warren and look for another back in the draft.
Then there's wide receiver George Pickens. The former second-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and while he caught 92 balls for 1,301 yards and 8 scores in 2025, his inconsistent effort has been a headache. Do you pay a guy top-tier money when you're still wondering if he's giving 100% every snap? Diontae Johnson's departure last year pushed Pickens into the WR1 role, and he mostly delivered on the field. But I wouldn't be surprised if Pittsburgh plays hardball. They can franchise tag him for 2027 if they can't agree to a long-term deal this offseason, but that's a temporary fix.
The Defensive Crunch
On the defensive side, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick's contract is always a talking point. He's signed through 2026, but his cap hit jumps to $20.1 million next year. He's still one of the best safeties in the league, evidenced by his 3 interceptions and 9 pass breakups in 2025. But that's a huge number for a safety. Khan might look to restructure that deal to free up some space, especially with other key defenders needing attention.
Edge rusher Alex Highsmith is another one to watch. He’s been consistently good since T.J. Watt arrived, notching double-digit sacks in three of the last four seasons, including 11.5 in 2025. He's got two years left on his current deal, but you know agents are always looking ahead. If the Steelers can lock him up with an extension now, before his price potentially skyrockets, that would be a smart move. Keeping Watt and Highsmith together is paramount to their defensive identity.
And let's not forget about the secondary. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is still on his rookie deal and looking like a future star after breaking up 14 passes and grabbing 2 picks last season. But the other side of the field is a question mark. Patrick Peterson is an unrestricted free agent, and at 35, it's tough to see him returning. They need to find a solid starter opposite Porter, either through free agency or the draft. That's a critical piece for a team that gave up 245 passing yards per game in 2025.
My bold prediction? The Steelers will sign a veteran offensive lineman in free agency, something they haven't done much of recently. They'll realize the patchwork approach hasn't worked, and they'll finally invest serious money in protecting their new quarterback.