The story of the Steelers’ first day of free agency is the story that wasn’t – the quarterback. The glaring need heading into 2025 was not addressed, though it may have been addressed for them. Justin Fields was assumed to be the obvious starter by default in 2025, but he signed with the New York Jets on a 2-year deal worth $40 million that the Steelers could have easily matched had they wanted to. The QB search appears to have moved towards Aaron Rodgers and will extend into day two of free agency.
Heading into day 1 of the open market with over $60 million, General Manager Omar Khan was expected to be very active, even after the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf on the eve of free agency.
The acquisitions were ultimately minimal, but here’s a breakdown of all the new, current, and former Steelers players on day one of free agency.
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Additions
Darius Slay
The former 6-time Pro Bowl and 2017 all-pro corner was released on March 3rd by the Philadelphia Eagles, less than a month after their Super Bowl victory. He agreed to a 1-year deal with the Steelers as their first member of the 2025 free-agent class.
Slay could fill the hole opposite Joey Porter Jr. after 2024 starter Donte Jackson‘s contract expired. The Mississippi State product has 12 years of NFL experience playing for the Lions and Eagles.
The Steelers get a 34-year-old veteran who plays much younger than that. In 2024, he allowed 32 catches on 64 targets for 371 yards and 2 TDs per PFF. He recorded no interceptions but plays with great energy and was the leader in the Eagles’ talented young defensive back room.
He could line up as CB2 or in the slot, which means another move could be coming for a corner as both positions could use addressing.
Malik Harrison
Harrison comes over from the rival Ravens on a 2-year deal worth $10 million. He’s a 5-year pro who was originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL draft. Though he has started just 34 of 76 games, he should be a major contributor on special teams.
His PFF grades leave a lot to be desired. He posted just a 50.7 overall grade, which was 151st out of 189 possible linebackers. His strength is his run defense with a grade of 67.9, although it still only graded out as 81st among 189 linebackers
The move comes as a bit of a surprise with Elandon Roberts being a familiar, potentially cheaper option, but the thought here is that Harrison’s special teams contributions give him the nod.
Departures
Justin Fields
Fields signed a 2-year deal with the New York Jets worth $40 million with $30 million guaranteed.
Fields started 6 games for the Steelers in 2024 but was benched in favor of Russell Wilson, despite a 4-2 record in those games. Fans have shown support for Fields as the starter for 2025 ever since the season ended – heavily influenced by the well-documented 5-game losing streak capped off with a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Fields faced adversity as a professional and was public on his desire to return to Pittsburgh as QB1 in 2025. Although it didn’t come to fruition, Fields will have an entire city of yinzers behind him as he moves on to the next chapter of his career.
Najee Harris
Steelers_Blitz predicted before free agency that 4-year starter Najee Harris would sign with the Los Angeles Chargers being that it was the best fit to maximize his talents.
Harris leaves his 4,312 rushing yards and 28 TDs in Pittsburgh to move to Los Angeles to play a style that better fits his abilities. Harris should excel under Harbaugh, and Steelers fans will be happy to watch him do so.
Dan Moore Jr.
Moore signed a lucrative 4-year, $82 million deal with the Tennessee Titans which includes $50 million guaranteed. Moore has had a hot and cold career to this point but has been durable. He’s started all 66 games of his career logging over 4,200 snaps at left tackle.
It was no surprise he would be on the move as the Steelers have drafted OTs in the first round of the last two years.
Elandon Roberts
Roberts signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on a 1-year deal worth $3 million. Roberts served as a role player during his time in Pittsburgh, mainly serving as a run-stopper. He finished 2024 with career highs in overall defense (77.2) and run defense (90.4) per PFF.
Larry Ogunjobi
A salary cap casualty, the defensive tackle was released on Monday, saving the Steelers $7 million in cap space. Ogunjobi started 45 of 48 games with the Steelers and recorded 6 sacks.
The eight-year veteran will look for a fresh start to improve on his 49.4 PFF grade, which was the worst of his career.
James Daniels
Former Steelers guard James Daniels agreed to a 3-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. Daniels’ stint in Pittsburgh was cut short by an injury in 2024 which put him out of action for the last 14 games of the season.
Rookie Mason McCormick played well in his place, making the veteran guard expendable. Daniels will move on to the Miami Dolphins where he should serve as an immediate starter.
Retained
Jaylen Warren
The Steelers offered restricted free agent Jaylen Warren a second-round tender worth $5.35 million. Warren is free to seek a new team if he desires, but the Steelers reserve the right to match any contract he is offered. If they decide not to match the offer, his new team will have to award the Steelers their 2nd round pick.
All signs point to Warren returning to Pittsburgh and may serve as RB1 with Najee Harris on the move. It’s no secret that the Steelers will be targeting a running back in the NFL draft and perhaps free agency to complement the former undrafted free agent.
Warren has 1,674 career rushing yards on 346 carries and 127 receptions for 894 yards and 6 total TDs in three seasons.
Ryan McCollum
McCollum has served mostly as a practice squad player during his 4-year NFL venture, signing with the Steelers in 2022. He logged two starts at center in 2024 for center Zach Frazier and was rewarded with a $1.03 tender to return to the Steelers in 2025.