The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the free agency with nearly $50M in cap space and several critical roster needs. On the first day of the “legal tampering period”, they addressed two of those needs.
Michael Pittman Jr.
They addressed the long vacant WR2 position via trade, by acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts for a late-round “pick swap”, in which they followed up immediately with a contract extension for Pittman.
The extension ensures that the Steelers have a formidable WR set for the first time in several years. On the same date last year, the Steelers acquired D.K. Metcalf via trade, only to eventually trade away their then WR2, George Pickens, leaving the receiving corps without depth or production behind Metcalf.
Michael Pittman Jr. will bring stability and production to the Steelers’ offense. He averages 87 catches, 940 yards, and 4 TDs per season in his 6-year career and has not been targeted less than 100 times since his rookie year. He’s a good fit for Mike McCarthy‘s traditional offense, offering the ability to line up out wide or in the slot. He’s a willing blocker in the run game and excels in the middle of the field as a chain mover.
An underrated ability Pittman brings is as a leader. He was voted as a Colts Team Captain in 2024 and served as a Team Captain in college at USC. After a long run of headaches at wide receiver, the Steelers finally have their adult in the room.
Jamel Dean
Former Buccaneers’ cornerback Jamel Dean was signed to a 3-year deal worth $36.75M, creating stability at a CB2 position that had been a revolving door for the Steelers for years. Veteran special teams contributor James Pierre, took over as CB2 in ’25 after a failed, short-lived run by Darius Slay, only to eventually price himself out of consideration as a full-time starter going forward.
Pierre agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, which confirmed reports that the Steelers didn’t view him as more than a reserve outside cornerback.
Dean will immediately enter the starting lineup opposite of Joey Porter Jr., giving the Steelers book-end corners who can hold up against the NFL’s best receivers. Jamel Dean is coming off a career year in 2025, being rated as PFF‘s #3 corner with an overall grade of 80.6. In ’25, Dean recorded 3 INTs (1 return TD), 9 pass defenses, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, and 46 tackles.
Rico Dowdle
Steelers’ team MVP Kenneth Gainwell signed with the Buccaneers, leaving an opening at RB2. Mike McCarthy elects a familiar face as he reunites with his former Cowboys tailback, Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle was buried on Dallas’ depth chart until a major breakout in 2024. He started 15 games and carried the ball 235 times for 1,079 yards and 2 TDs. He also caught 39 passes for 249 yards and 3 TDs.
The multi-purpose back fills a big void for the Steelers as Kenneth Gainwell leaves behind more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Although the offense will be different, Dowdle’s role may be similar to Gainwell’s in ’25, splitting time with Jaylen Warren as a 50/50 split backfield.
Other News
- Asante Samuel Jr. was retained, agreeing to a 1-year deal worth up to $4M. Samuel impressed in his limited action last season. It’s unclear if he’s viewed as an option to play nickel corner, but he adds valuable depth nonetheless
- Veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb was resigned to a 2-year, $5M deal. It came as a bit of a surprise, as he was a limited contributor in ’25 after recovering from a major knee injury that kept him out of the 2024 season.
- A couple of former Steelers were on the move today as LB Devin Bush agreed to a long-term deal with the Bears, and S Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded from the Dolphins to the Jets, where he will sign an extension
Follow on X @Steelers_Blitz for all things Steelers, including breaking free agency news and all other offseason activities.
