Everyone is familiar with the big names in the 2026 NFL free agent class.  Given the Steelers history, they probably won’t be in the market for a big splash this offseason.  Taking into consideration the team’s biggest needs, lets look at seven under the radar free agents the Steelers will be interested in this year:

1. Eric Stokes CB – Las Vegas Raiders

Pittsburgh only has Joey Porter Jr. and Brandin Echols on their depth chart at corner.  Look for the Steelers to add at least one in free agency. Eric Stokes is coming off his best season as a pro in 2025.  That just so happens to be under the tutelage of new Steelers DC Patrick Graham.  The Steelers showed lots of interest in Stokes coming out of Georgia in 2021. Stokes is coming off a one year, $3.5 million dollar contract in Las Vegas.  He should expect a heafty raise in 2026, but nothing that would break the bank for the Steelers.  Steelers mock draft 4.0: The final countdown.  

2. Ed Ingram G – Houston Texans

Ed Ingram had a tremendous year for the Texans after being traded there from Minnesota.  Ingram had 71.5 PFF grade this season, and was ranked their 12th overall guard in 2025.  He turns just 27 this year, and would make a fine veteran replacement for Isaac Seumalo in Pittsburgh.  New Steelers OC Brian Angelichio is very familiar with Ingram form their days with the Vikings.

3. Jaylinn Hawkins S – New England Patriots

Safety is also a low key need for the Steelers this offseason.  With DeShon Elliot coming off a major injury, and Jalen Ramsey having a shaky at best first year at the position, the Steelers should be shopping this position.  Jaylinn Hawkins was a big part of the incredible run the Patriots defense was on in 2025.  He had 4 ints, 6 PBUs, to go along with 71 tackles.  Hawkins was predominately a free safety, but played significant snaps in the slot and even at box safety.  If the Steelers move on from Ramsey, Hawkins should be near the top of their free agent list.

4. Gabe Davis WR – Buffalo Bills

Gabe Davis may not be the sexiest name in free agency, but his production has been steady every season.  Davis is good for at least 600 yards, and 7 touchdowns in each of his last four seasons in Buffalo.  There’s even a little slot experience in his bag.  We talked at length about the possibility of a power slot type in Mike McCarhty’s offense on the Steelers Sanctuary Podcast.  Davis might fill that role nicely.  Connecting some dots, new Steelers wide receiver coach Adam Henry held that same position in Buffalo the last three seasons. https://www.youtube.com/live/MzMc4_I-7jk?si=NWZ06h2BftqK-hqf

5. Nashon Wright CB – Chicago Bears

If you haven’t heard of Nashon Wright yet, you will.  He is coming off a tremendous season for the Chicago Bears.  Wright had 5 ints, 7 PBUs, 80 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles in his breakout season.  Oh and by the way, he was drafted by Mike McCarthy in Dallas back in 2021.

6. Calais Campbell DT – Arizona Cardinals

 

I get it, he’s old.  Even at 39 Calais Campbell played extremely well for Arizona last season.  Campbell had 6 sacks, and earned a 72.2 PFF grade for the Cardinals.  If Cam Heyward does indeed force his way out of Pittsburgh, why not add a veteran leader like Campbell to mentor their young defensive lineman.  The Steelers could do much worse in free agency.

7. Rico Dowlde RB – Carolina Panthers

The Steelers could be in the market for a running back if Kenneth Gainwell leaves via free agency.  Dowdle had a very good season for Carolina in 2025, and would be a nice compliment to Jayeln Warren.  The obvious link here is Dowdle was drafted by the Cowboys under Mike McCarthy in 2020, and played 4 seasons with him in Dallas.