Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 free agency period with a significant advantage in salary cap space. The team has been proactive in recent offseasons, acquiring key players like linebacker Patrick Queen and quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, among others. This year, they have nearly $60 million in available cap space, ranking seventh among all NFL teams.

According to OvertheCap.com, the Steelers also have the least amount of "dead money" at less than $50,000. In contrast, San Francisco faces nearly $66 million in dead money against its cap. This financial flexibility allows the Steelers to improve their roster more freely than many other teams.

While other teams are releasing players to become cap compliant, the Steelers' approach of signing free agents to shorter-term contracts has not burdened them financially. They have also focused on solid drafts over consecutive seasons to ensure continued improvement.

The Baltimore Ravens face challenges with offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari heading into unrestricted free agency and only $12 million in available cap space. Cincinnati Bengals have more room at $52 million but must accommodate wide receiver Tee Higgins' franchise tag and potentially extend Ja'Marr Chase.

Steelers fans might see some familiar names leave for bigger contracts elsewhere, which could benefit the team through compensatory picks. Players released by other teams do not count against this formula when signed by a new team.

In linebacker replacements since Ryan Shazier's career-ending injury in 2017, the Steelers seem to have found success with Queen and Payton Wilson. Cole Holcomb's return from injury further stabilizes the position for 2025.

The draft season is underway following the NFL Scouting Combine completion. Chicago Bears' recent trades for veteran guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney demonstrate how pre-free agency moves can alter draft strategies across the league.

As draft boards evolve, it's crucial to note that analysts' rankings may not align with NFL teams'. The upcoming draft may surprise with unexpected first-round picks due to similar grades beyond the top ten selections.