Pro Football Focus released their annual top 75 free agent list for the 2025 NFL offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a tough spot with five pending free agents on the list. This ties Pittsburgh with the Kansas City Chiefs for the second-most players on the list, only behind the Minnesota Vikings with seven. Following a disappointing end to their 2024 season, the Steelers face a crossroads this offseason with so many key free agents set to hit the market.
PFF Names 5 Steelers as Top 75 Free Agents
Both Quarterbacks Make the List
The first Steeler to make the list was Justin Fields, coming in at number 19. While Fields was replaced by Russell Wilson as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback after six games, it’s not a surprise to see him rank higher than Wilson. Fields is younger and offers more upside and versatility. In their explanation, PFF cites the recent resurgences of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold as reasons why Fields is a valuable free agent. Though some pending Steelers free agents won’t be re-signed, Fields is one they should sign to an extension and see what he can do with a full season as a starter.
Russell Wilson came in at number 44 in the rankings. Coming in lower than Fields due to his age, Wilson will still have value in free agency to a team looking for steady quarterback play. Prior to Pittsburgh’s five-game losing streak to end their season, Wilson seemed on track to sign a multi-year extension and potentially retire a Steeler. His struggles down the stretch make that outcome less likely, though. Wilson will get signed this offseason, and Pittsburgh might be the team to do it, but he won’t get the money he was expected to get two months ago.
Losing Starters in the Trenches
The Steelers have two starting offensive lineman set to be free agents this offseason. The first is right guard James Daniels, who PFF ranked the number 28 free agent. Daniels started four games for the Steelers before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. If the injury drives down Daniels’ price in free agency, Pittsburgh should look to re-sign him. Rookie Mason McCormick did a fine job filling in for Daniels, but Daniels still offers stronger play at the position. The Steelers could re-sign Daniels and use McCormick as a depth piece before taking over for Isaac Seumalo at left guard following the 2025 season.
On the opposite side of the line, left tackle Dan Moore (47th on PFF’s list) is set to hit free agency. Similar to Wilson, Moore’s value decreased as the season went on. Through the midway point of the season, Moore was a very solid tackle and seemed poised for a second contract from the Steelers. He was a train wreck over the final month of the season, though. If Pittsburgh wants to re-sign Moore, it should only be as a depth piece. They should enter the 2025 season with Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones as the starting offensive tackles.
Prepare To Say Goodbye to the Steelers Free Agents
The fifth and final Steeler on PFF’s list was running back Najee Harris, coming in one spot behind Moore at number 48. Despite putting together a solid 2024 season (and really, a solid four years in Pittsburgh) Harris is as good as gone. The writing was on the wall when the Steelers didn’t pick up his fifth-year option prior to the season. Despite never proving worthy of being a first-round draft pick, Harris was a reliable and consistent back for Pittsburgh. He has never been injured and rarely fumbles the ball. Those are two qualities that will earn him a decent contract this offseason, it just won’t be from the Steelers.
Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports
The post PFF Names 5 Steelers as Top 75 Free Agents appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.