Mike Tomlin Steps Down - Steelers Next Moves?
Mike Tomlin has stepped down as Steelers HC after 19 seasons. What's next for the organization?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be experiencing major organizational change this offseason, needing a new HC for the first time in two decades, and needing a new starting QB. They seem to be on the brink of a transitional phase, if they choose to go this route, and have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL. I felt compelled to write about what I think the proper steps are for this organization.
Before we begin, let's clear some things up. I have no idea what the Steelers organization, or even fans, are thinking in their process and approach to the offseason. This is simply my loose plan that I would present to the front office. I also am no expert in many realms, specifically the salary cap and how restructures and extensions effect how much cap a player takes up in a certain year. All salary cap information is taken from overthecap.com.
Hiring a Head Coach
This is the obvious first step Pittsburgh must make, and I wrote about it briefly in my article where I ranked each head coach opening. Based on their history, you could expect Pittsburgh to hire a defensive assistant under the age of 40, but I don't think there are many of those coaches available. They have requested interviews with defensive assistants Brian Flores(44 years old), Ejiro Evero(45), Jeff Hafley(46), Jesse Minter(43), Chris Shula(39), and Anthony Weaver(45). They've also requested to interview Nate Scheelhaase, an offensive assistant who is 35 years old, and Klay Kubiak, an OC who is 37 years old.
It appears they will stick to this genre of coaches, which I don't have a problem with for a reason I will explain soon, but I would prefer if they went towards the younger, offensive assistant coaches. Pittsburgh hasn't had a plus offensive system in a long time, and now they need to find a franchise QB, preferably before the 2027 season. Hiring an offensive coach who has the ability to create a good environment for a young QB is the ideal find in my opinion.
Now, the direction they take in terms of offensive or defensive assistant they hire to be their HC isn't paramount. What's most important is finding a coach that can lead a team and a "rebuild." The important aspect in this coaching search is that the Steelers ownership and front office knows what the future holds. Is it good to be competitive? Of course. But for next season, that shouldn't be the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal for 2026 should be setting your organization up for success in 2027. So while I would prefer an offensive mind to be leading the charge, finding a coach that will be able to maximize the roster while the team is cleaned up in a potential down year is more important. A coach that you can trust with the direction your franchise is going. It's not a full rebuild, it's more of a mini-reset.
So no, when I say that being competitive isn't the "ultimate goal" for 2026, that does not mean they should tank for a top 5 draft pick. This takes us to the next section of my plan for the Steelers offseason, which is cleaning out the roster.
Roster Construction
Pittsburgh projects to have over $40 million in salary cap space headed into the 2026 offseason, prior to any restructures, with a full roster of players(53). Here are the players with the highest cap hits for 2026:
T.J. Watt, EDGE, 31 years old, $42.0M cap hit.
Post-June 1 trade: Saves PIT $32m in cap, $10m dead money
D.K. Metcalf, WR, 28 years old, $31.0M cap hit.
Post-June 1 trade/cut: Saves PIT $25m in cap, $6m dead money
Alex Highsmith, EDGE, 29 years old, $20.1M cap hit.
Post-June 1 trade/cut: Saves PIT $14.5m in cap, $5.6m dead money
Jalen Ramsey, DB, 31 years old, $19.5M cap hit.
Can be released with no dead cap, save $19.5m
Patrick Queen, LB, 27 years old, $17.2M cap hit.
Cut/Trade: Saves PIT $13.3m in cap, $3.8m dead money
Pat Freiermuth, TE, 27 years old, $11.2M cap hit.
Post-June 1 trade/release: Saves PIT $9.1m in cap, $2.1m dead money
Jonnu Smith, TE, 31 years old, $10.9M cap hit.
Cut/Trade: Saves PIT $7m in cap, $3.9m dead money
This was simply just every player on the Steelers that will have a cap hit over $10M for the 2026 season, except for Cam Heyward, who it would be blasphemous to consider trading or releasing.
Some of these names may seem unnecessary, as they only carry a small cap hit, and may even be a free agent after next season anyways. But remember, the NFL salary cap carries over into the following season. To put it simply, if a team has $10m of cap space unused in the 2025 season, that extra $10m rolls over into the 2026 season, giving them $10m more towards their 2026 salary cap. So while it may seem silly to release Jonnu Smith, a TE who can be productive and is a free agent at the end of the season, that $7m you save this year can be rolled over into next season as well.
And this is what Pittsburgh should prioritize, in my opinion.
You were holding on by a thread in 2025. The vaunted defense led by Mike Tomlin that had carried you into the postseason for many years took a step back and has gotten older. The offense is a mess, and now you don't have a quarterback. That's not exactly a perfect situation for a new HC to step into and make the playoffs.
While I am not telling Pittsburgh to pack it in for 2026, I am saying they might as well trim the fat off the roster to set themselves up for better success and opportunities in the 2027 (off)season. Barring a miracle, you aren't close to contending in 2026 and are going through a transition with a new coach anyways, so you should take advantage by using your resources to the best of your advantage. Here is the fat that I would strongly consider trimming if I were Pittsburgh:
D.K. Metcalf - do I think Pittsburgh does this considering the extension they gave him last offseason? Probably not. But I would do it because he will never live up to that extension and I would save myself the money as quick as possible. The good news is, if they decide to keep Metcalf because their WR room is so barren, they can cut him the next year, or year after that, with minimal costs because the only guarantees left are his signing bonuses.
Jalen Ramsey - this is the easiest decision in the book. You could look for a trade, but who cares? Just clear the books of his $19+ million and move on entirely. I wouldn't even try to restructure and bring him back for cheaper, just end this era of Ramsey trying to play safety.
Patrick Queen - Queen only has one more year left on his deal, but let's cut the cord now, shall we? He's not the best LB in the world and we're clearing out our overpaid defense. You can definitely replace Queen's 100 tackles and his dozen plus missed tackles over the next two offseasons. That $13+ million is better off elsewhere, or just being saved for the future.
Jonnu Smith - Pittsburgh already has two capable TEs, one being paid and one that you'll likely have to/want to pay. Smith only has one more year under contract, but like I've said, let's start saving early.
T.J. Watt / Alex Highsmith - this is almost less about money and more about value. T.J. Watt's best days and best trade value is behind him. So do you bite the bullet and move on now, or keep the Steelers legend around until the end? Watt has a $40m+ cap hit each of the next 3 seasons and his play will only continue to decline. It would be tough to move on because he's a legend, you aren't getting a lot in return(Day 2 pick), and you would have to eat some dead money($10m), but it might be worth it for the long haul. Highsmith, on the other hand, has a contract that will age just fine, and is only for two more seasons. The question would be one of compensation. You could save a bit of money and his trade value will only go down from here. I would choose between Watt and Highsmith, one has to go.
Now, none of this is really in Pittsburgh's nature. None of their contracts are backloaded, they have no void years, and they only have $7.9m in dead money for 2026(Minkah Fitzpatrick). They operate as a very traditional front office.
If I were to choose more conservatively, I would keep Metcalf for one more season, simply because the WR room would be inoperable without him. I undoubtedly move on from Ramsey. And I would shed Queen and Smith's contracts one year early, as they aren't integral to any potential success. We can keep both Watt and Highsmith, as the defensive line can still be the identity of our team with those two playing at full strength.
Let's assume this second scenario. Pittsburgh has now increased it's cap space for 2026 to over $80 million. Incredible start. How does this get spent in-house?
Notable Steelers Free Agents:
QB Aaron Rodgers
LG Isaac Seumalo
S Kyle Dugger
RB Kenneth Gainwell
WR Calvin Austin III
S Chuck Clark
CB James Pierre
CB Asante Samuel Jr
Steelers now eligible for a contract extension:
LT Broderick Jones
CB Joey Porter Jr
DT Keeanu Benton
TE Darnell Washington
EDGE Nick Herbig
OG Spencer Anderson
While I don't think the free agency class has much too much significance, the 2023 draft class is extension eligible, and I would look to pay many of those players.
Of their free agents, bringing back Isaac Seumalo is likely a priority. Seumalo is 32 years old, but will still warrant a decent pay day. I would assume a contract for Seumalo looks something like 3 years for $40m, with around $25m in total guarantees. Now, how does that translate into how much of the salary cap he account for? I am not sure. But I am sure that keeping the offensive line core around should be a priority.
Brining back James Pierre on a decent contract would also be nice, as he was a starter at CB down the stretch of the season. I honestly have no clue what his market would be.
Asante Samuel Jr chose to come to Pittsburgh in the middle of the season after his neck injury healed, so bringing him back as a potential final piece in the CB room could be a possibility.
But the priority is extending the 2023 draft class, a main reason why I believe Pittsburgh should look to clear out some money.
First, Joey Porter Jr. This is an All-Pro caliber corner that should demand top of market money, and Pittsburgh should lock him up as soon as possible. He could touch $30m a year, like Derek Stingley and Sauce Gardner, but will at least sit at $25m a year with guarantees in the $70m range.
Keeanu Benton has become a starting caliber IDL for Pittsburgh. He had a mini-breakout in 2025, but I would attempt to extend him before he may demand even more money on the open market. Can you sign him for under $15m a year with under $30m in guarantees?
Darnell Washington showed his worth in a two TE offense this season. It may depend on the future OC, but Washington can be a key cog in many offenses. He should demand right around what most TEs make. $12m a year with $20m-ish in guarantees. That's a reasonable contract for a player who can offer as much as Washington.
Nick Herbig has been a productive edge rusher and is why I would feel more comfortable getting value in a trade for one of my starting EDGE rushers this offseason. Herbig's draft status and limited role will prevent him from making top market money, but he's worth a solid $20m on the open market. If you can extend him on a similar, potentially cheaper, deal to what Alex Highsmith got(4/$68m, $27 total guaranteed), that's a win.
2026 Roster - What needs to happen?
I've vaguely discussed who I would resign, release, and extend. Let's skim through the roster and prioritize which positions need upgrades that will set up the team, and future franchise QB, up for success. Also keep in mind I am far from a Pittsburgh Steelers expert, so apologies if I don't know enough about a backup or young player that has looked decent in spots.
QB - The odds your future franchise QB is in the 2026 draft class are low, but not zero. There are not many desirable veterans in free agency, so I'd be fine with Mason Rudolph returning. Will Howard is there, headed into year 2. This is why I would prefer an offensive head coach. I think drafting a QB, late on Day 2 or early Day 3 is a good idea. And it would be preferable to have an offensive HC for them. Having two young QBs in the building increases your odds in finding that franchise guy. And, if you don't love either, you'll find yourself in position to draft a QB in the first half of the 1st round in 2027.
RB - Jaylen Warren is a great back. Kaleb Johnson had a rough rookie season. Kenneth Gainwell may be gone. I would trust Warren here, bank on Johnson improving, and probably draft another RB on Day 2 or 3.
WR - A focal point. You have DK Metcalf and that is all. Will Roman Wilson ever be useful? I wouldn't be upset if Pittsburgh spent a 1st rounder at WR. They should probably draft two receivers with their boatload of picks. Although they're already paying Metcalf, securing a FA receiver wouldn't be a bad idea. They'll have to next year if they don't this season. Options may include bringing back Calvin Austin III, or Christian Kirk, Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, and Jalen Nailor.
TE - Pittsburgh is in a fantastic place here. Freiermuth and Washington, you can find your 3rd TE in the draft or on a minimum contract in free agency. Preferably a guy who can play special teams.
OL - Assuming they bring back Seumalo, LG through RT are fairly set. It's a strong unit. Despite drafting a LT in the 1st round in 2023, this position is the issue. Do you rely on Broderick Jones developing in year 4? I wouldn't be against spending another top draft pick at tackle. The offensive line is in a fairly strong place for the future.
DL - Keeping Watt and Highsmith, potential extensions for Herbig and Benton, with Derrick Harmon having a great rookie year. And Cam Heyward is still an All-Pro. This is a strong unit, and still looks to be the strength of the team. Not a priority group to bring in help from the outside, but it's never bad to draft DL depth.
LB - A definitive priority, right after WR in my opinion, especially if they do move on from Queen. I advocate from moving on from Queen because I think there are better values in FA. Among them, Micah McFadden, Nakobe Dean, Leo Chenal, Justin Strnad, Devin Lloyd, Eric Wilson, Alex Anzalone, Alex Singleton, and Kaden Elliss. It all depends on how much Pittsburgh wants to spend, but there are plenty of options that will either A), produce better than Queen at a similar/higher price, or B), produce similar to Queen at a much cheaper price. With their large quantity of draft picks, I would take a couple dart throws at LB as well.
CB - I mentioned the Porter extension, and hopefully bringing back Samuel and Pierre. You may want to find a guy who can excel in the nickel, but I would ride with this group and maybe look to the draft as well.
S - Chuck Clark may be a guy you bring back, but I think this room gets cleared out. Say bye to Ramsey, as well as midseason additions in Dugger and Peppers. Feels like an area where you spend on one FA, then bring in two veterans on cheap contracts and draft another. You don't need to commit lots of resources to all areas, but I would probably give out a contract at this position, given that safety contracts are relatively cheap. Nick Cross, Bryan Cook, Jaquan Brisker, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Alohi Gilman are names you could pay.
As I was quickly running through the roster, I mention Pittsburgh's 2026 draft capital for the first time. They are set to have twelve(12!) draft picks:
One 1st, one 2nd, three 3rds, two 4ths, one 5th, three 6ths, two 7ths.
This is a ridiculous haul, and I think Pittsburgh should use at least 10 of them. I do primarily write about the San Francisco 49ers, so I will make a comparison here.
In the 2025 offseason, the 49ers let key free agents walk. They traded and cut multiple bigger contracts, taking on dead money so that they wouldn't have to deal with it past 2025. They handed out just three multi-year deals in free agency, to a backup QB, backup WR, and backup TE. Instead, they spent their money on franchise cornerstones(TE, LB, QB). And they used all 11 draft picks they owned in the 2025 NFL draft. The 49ers essentially committed to a reset year in 2025 and tried to jumpstart a youth movement. They shedded contracts, got younger(expect for at LS and P), and didn't spend on outside FAs, presumably prepping to compete in 2026 and 2027. They find themselves in the divisional round of the playoffs regardless.
If you haven't caught on by now, I believe Pittsburgh should be undergoing a similar process. Clear out the unnecessary contracts, because you won't be contending in 2026. It will save you money now and in the future. And embrace the youth movement, use those draft picks to get younger and find depth that way.
Recap
To recap what I think Pittsburgh should do this offseason, here is an abbreviated step-by-step guide:
Hire younger HC
Clear out contracts: Ramsey, Smith, Queen, and potentially T.J. Watt(depending on what you can get in a trade).
Prioritize your future franchise cornerstones and building a younger team. Start this process by extending your youth. Lock up Porter, Benton, Washington, and Herbig long-term.
Be smart in free agency. Only hand out long-term contracts to players you think can start for you when you return to being a contender('27/'28). Linebacker and Safety are the two positions I would look to. The rest of your signings should be short-term and non-consequential.
Use lots of your draft capital to reset your roster with younger players! A brief rough draft guide of how to use draft compensation:
Day 1 - WR
Day 2 - LB, S, RB, WR
Day 3 - QB, DL, OL, LB, DB
The Pittsburgh Steelers should be able to recognize the spot they are in organizationally. A new head coach, an older roster, a declining and expensive defense, and lacking a franchise QB. The current roster is not in playoff contention, especially with a rookie HC.
I believe Pittsburgh should take advantage of this by resetting their roster and resources to be able to be more aggressive in team building in 2027 and 2028. Hire a younger head coach, whether offensive or defensive driven, that you believe can lead and maximize a team that will need to reset for a year.
Take chances on the QBs in your building, as well as another rookie. If those don't work out, you will likely lose enough games to be picking in the range to draft a potential franchise QB in 2027. Use all of your draft picks to create deeper and younger roster. Don't break the bank in free agency this offseason, because you want some cap to roll over for next offseason when it matters. But spending at positions where you don't have to pay top of market for a multi-year starter is not a bad idea either.
Being smart with their resources this offseason can create a stronger, deeper, and younger team with multiple key pieces going forward. Starting off a new era by showing patience, that you don't need to scratch and claw into the playoffs right away, will create a better environment for your HC and future franchise QB in the long run.
Stay tuned for more NFL and 49ers related articles, news, and opinions!
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