Black & Yellow | Pittsburgh Steelers M26

[redsox907]

Steelers Franchise Tag Payton Wilson Ahead of Free Agency

Pittsburgh, PA. - The Pittsburgh Steelers and GM Omar Khan were able to create significant cap space through restructures, but despite their newfound flexibility, they couldn't reach a long-term deal with versatile linebacker Payton Wilson.

With no other options, the Steelers applied the franchise tag to Wilson, carrying a $10.5 million price tag for the 2028 season—a number some believe represents a bargain, including Wilson's agent.

"The early evaluations we had on Payton were in the $12 million range as a base, not a ceiling," said James Courie of MGC Sports, Wilson's agent. "The fact that the Steelers not only failed to meet that number, falling well short in negotiations, but then limited my client's ability to earn that money in free agency is disappointing, to say the least."

The public comments signal a fractured relationship between Wilson's camp and the organization. According to sources within the Steelers, the team remains hopeful they can negotiate a long-term extension before the July deadline, but Courie's remarks suggest the asking price may be climbing by the day.

"If his agent is speaking on behalf of Payton and not merely negotiating in public, they may have to overpay egregiously to keep him now," one AFC personnel executive said. "I'm not sure if that's the right move with the uber-athletic Harold Perkins Jr. waiting in the wings as a potential replacement."

Wilson, 26, has been one of the NFL's most underrated linebackers since being drafted by Pittsburgh in 2024. His ability to play multiple positions—off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, and even safety in sub-packages—makes him a matchup nightmare and a defensive coordinator's dream. The franchise tag buys the Steelers another year to work out a long-term deal, but it also risks souring the relationship if an extension isn't reached.

Wilson wasn't the only notable player tagged before Tuesday's deadline. Several other impact players received the tag as their teams work to retain key contributors:

- Jared Verse, EDGE, Los Angeles Rams - $33.3M
- Foyesade Oluokun, MLB, Jacksonville Jaguars - $23.9M
- John Simpson, G, New York Jets - $20.1M
- Brandon Wall, C, Indianapolis Colts - $16.5M

The Steelers now have until mid-July to negotiate a long-term extension with Wilson before the franchise tag becomes guaranteed for the 2028 season. If no deal is reached, Wilson will play on the one-year tender and become an unrestricted free agent in 2029—when he could command significantly more money on the open market.

In addition to signing Wilson to the franchise tag, the Steelers were able to reach a deal with Isaiah Simmons worth $7 million over two years, while also accepting the options on both Derrick Harmon and Kelvin Banks Jr.

Notable Re-Signings

► Show Spoiler

EDGE Trey Hendrickson - 1 YR / $23.3M
EDGE Joey Bosa - 1 YR / $19.7M
SS Talanoa Hufanga - 3 YR / $34.9M
MLB Zach Baun - 3 YR / $49.6M
WR Jerry Jeudy - 3 YR / $51.8M
DT Vita Vea - 1 YR / $26.7M
HB Bucky Irving - 4 YR / $50.2M
SS Budda Baker - 2 YR / $37.7M
WR Xavier Worthy - 5 YR / $120M
EDGE Nolan Smith Jr - 2 YR / $37M
DT DeForest Buckner - 1 YR / $21.3M

[redsox907]

Steelers Ship Kaleb Johnson To DC

Pittsburgh, PA. - The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Monday that they have traded former second-round pick Kaleb Johnson to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a second-round and third-round pick in this year's draft.

"We'd like to thank Kaleb for his professionalism and production over the past three years, but with the emergence of other players, his role had significantly diminished since last season," GM Omar Khan said in a prepared statement. "We feel this move is ultimately best for both sides. It gives us some flexibility in the upcoming draft and provides Kaleb a chance to make an impact with another organization heading into his free agency next year."

Johnson is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract. The former Iowa Hawkeye was consistent in his first two seasons as a reserve, churning out 779 yards and 13 touchdowns while playing behind Jaylen Warren.

When the Steelers traded Warren to New Orleans before the 2027 season, the expectation was that Johnson would finally claim the starting role, with Keaton Mitchell handling pass-catching duties out of the backfield.

Even when the Cleveland Browns cut Quinshon Judkins—who ultimately signed with Pittsburgh—it was believed that Judkins would serve as insurance, not a replacement.

Then the fumbles started.

Johnson coughed up the ball five times in the first three games of the 2027 season while Judkins flashed the explosiveness that made him a second-round pick in his own right. By midseason, Judkins had seized the starting job, and Johnson was relegated to third-string duties behind both Judkins and Mitchell.

He appeared in just eight games during the Steelers' Super Bowl run, carrying the ball a total of 14 times for 47 yards with no touchdowns. His role had evaporated completely.

Johnson is projected to become the Commanders' starting running back next season. Washington ranked 28th in rushing offense last year and is desperate for backfield help. The change of scenery could reignite Johnson's career, giving him a chance to prove the fumble issues were an aberration rather than a chronic problem.

For the Steelers, the trade adds valuable draft capital while clearing a roster spot. With Judkins entrenched as the starter and Mitchell providing a dynamic change-of-pace option, Johnson had become expendable.

The move also signals Pittsburgh's confidence in their current backfield depth and allows them to allocate resources elsewhere during what promises to be an active offseason.

[redsox907]

Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency Preview

Pittsburgh, PA. - The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2028 offseason free agency period with more cap room than originally anticipated, thanks to GM Omar Khan's restructuring magic, but very few roster holes that need addressing.

The biggest need is replacing—or potentially re-signing—former guard Mason McCormick and finding a kick-return specialist after releasing KaVonte Turpin at the start of free agency.

After that? Everything else is purely depth.

The Steelers could potentially return every starter from last season outside of McCormick, edge rusher Alex Highsmith, and nickel corner Marlon Humphrey.

Additionally, thanks to contract restructures, the Steelers won't need to make cap-related trades or releases of tight end Pat Freiermuth or safety Alohi Gilman.

The Steelers already have Highsmith's replacement with last offseason's signing of Kayvon Thibodeaux, so where will the rest of the projected $39 million in cap space go?

Team Needs:
RG, WR/KR, P, MLB, CB, T

Potential Targets

CB Cooper DeJean
Asking: 4 YR / $86M ($21.5M AAV)

At first glance, shelling out nearly 60% of available cap space for Cooper DeJean—with both Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. under contract—seems absurd. Until you dig deeper.

Ramsey turns 34 next season and is entering the final year of the contract he originally signed with Miami. DeJean is only 25 years old and has already proven himself on the biggest stage, playing in three Super Bowls with Philadelphia. The Steelers saw firsthand what DeJean can do when he held Offensive Rookie of the Year Ryan Williams to just one catch in Super Bowl LXII.

If Pittsburgh doesn't plan on re-signing Ramsey after 2028, the likelihood of a player of DeJean's caliber being available next offseason is slim to none. Pro Bowl cornerbacks rarely hit the market, and this may prove too good an opportunity to pass up. The Steelers could run a dominant three-cornerback rotation for one season before transitioning DeJean into the CB1 role in 2029.

CB Mike Sainristil
Asking: 2 YR / $15.2M ($7.59M AAV)

If Cooper DeJean proves too expensive, Sainristil would be an excellent consolation prize. The former Michigan Wolverine spent his first four seasons in Washington and posted career highs across the board last season—3 interceptions, 79 tackles, and 16 pass breakups.

Outside of DeJean and Humphrey, Sainristil is rated as the best man-coverage corner on the market, something the Steelers and DC Brian Flores covet. At less than $8 million per year, he represents value while addressing both the nickel corner and eventual Ramsey replacement needs.

G Tevin Jenkins
Asking: 1 YR / $12.9M ($12.9M AAV)

Teven Jenkins isn't a long-term solution, and he isn't asking to be. At 31 years old, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy is seeking a one-year prove-it deal—exactly the type of situation the Steelers have leveraged in the past.

Pittsburgh could sign Jenkins to hold down the right guard spot for 2028 while using a high draft pick to bring in a young, athletic guard to groom for a season before taking over in 2029. It's the same blueprint they used with Isaac Seumalo and Cayden Green two years ago, and it could work again with Jenkins providing veteran stability while the rookie develops.

G Mason McCormick
Asking: 2 YR / $20.7M ($10.4 AAV)

The other option is a reunion with McCormick, whom the Steelers drafted in the fourth round four years ago. McCormick gave up the most sacks on Pittsburgh's offensive line last season, but he brings familiarity and starting experience at a reasonable price.

If he comes down from $10.4 million annually or accepts a one-year deal similar to Jenkins, he could be the best option. Otherwise, the Steelers may prefer Jenkins' short-term commitment paired with a draft pick.

WR Deebo Samuel Jr
Asking: 1 YR / $7.4M ($7.4M AAV)

Deebo Samuel is not the bruising, game-breaking force that terrorized defenses with San Francisco a few years ago. But at 32 years old, he still offers a unique blend of size, physicality, and versatility that could thrive in the right role.

Samuel missed the entire 2027 season with a torn labrum, raising legitimate questions about his durability. But if healthy, he could provide value as a reliable third-down receiver and talented return specialist—exactly what Pittsburgh needs. The Steelers wouldn't be asking for 2021 Deebo. They'd be asking for a veteran presence who can contribute 40-50 catches and handle kick return duties. At $7.4 million on a one-year deal, the risk is manageable.

WR Calvin Austin
Asking: 1 YR / $6.87M ($6.87 AAV)

A reunion with Calvin Austin is reportedly on the table as well. The diminutive speedster remains one of the NFL's best deep threats, but his size and durability remain concerns. More problematic: Austin brings no value as a kick returner, which is a key need.

If the Steelers find themselves still searching for a speedy fourth receiver deep into free agency, they could do worse than bringing Austin back. But given the return specialist need and Austin's injury history, Pittsburgh is likely better served looking elsewhere.

LB Christian Harris
Asking: 3 YR / $12.9M ($4.29M AAV)

If the Steelers sign former Alabama linebacker Christian Harris, it will be purely for depth and special teams. The six-year pro brings athleticism and instincts that would provide insurance in case of injuries to Payton Wilson or Patrick Queen while contributing immediately on special teams coverage units.

At just over $4 million annually, Harris represents low-risk depth that aligns with Brian Flores' preference for athletic, versatile defenders. This move may wait until after the draft, but if Harris remains available heading into training camp, he's worth monitoring.

Top Available Free Agents

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[six7]

I really thought he would be much better …bummer

[Soapy]

"Why would I not sacrifice a little bit of money now to help keep key guys and build this roster?"

you don't lose money when you restructure a contract, it's just converted to a bonus

[djp73]

Some big names out there

[JohnStJohn1987]

Making moves already
GET IT!

[redsox907]

I really thought he would be much better …bummer

he was solid until he started putting the rock on the ground anytime someone breathed on him

Quinshon is faster and a better receiver. Browns loss is our win

"Why would I not sacrifice a little bit of money now to help keep key guys and build this roster?"

you don't lose money when you restructure a contract, it's just converted to a bonus

the way Madden does it is restructures to a bonus and spreads it out of the remainder of the contract

so he sacrificed money now, to get the money later

Some big names out there

Making moves already
GET IT!

we really ain't going to do nothin crazy. I didn't realize how much of our roster was under contract still. Legitimately only have two starters (RG / KR) not including punter. Everything else is extra frosting

plus 7 picks (2 - 1sts / 2- 2nd / 1 3rd / 1 4th / 1 5th)

[redsox907]

Steelers Bring In Deebo As Other Stars Move On

Pittsburgh, PA. - As former Steelers Alex Highsmith and Marlon Humphrey inked new deals elsewhere, Pittsburgh remained focused on addressing key roster needs, signing former 49ers and Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal as their first official move of free agency.

"Deebo is a gifted athlete who still plays at a high level," newly hired head coach Nathan Scheelhaase said. "We've got a deep receiver room, but having a veteran of his skill set gives us another valuable weapon and a proven return specialist."

With the recent influx of cap space from restructured contracts, some anticipated the Steelers would make a last-minute push to retain either Highsmith or Humphrey. Instead, both departed without receiving offers from Pittsburgh.
When asked if there was any ill will toward the organization, Highsmith quickly dismissed the notion.

"I spent the beginning of my career there, and my time in Pittsburgh helped craft the player I am today," Highsmith said at his introductory press conference after signing a one-year, $36.1 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. "GM Omar Khan and Coach Scheelhaase were clear and transparent before free agency about their preference to allocate the available money elsewhere. This is a business, and while I'll always be thankful for my time there, they better be prepared the next time we play."

Highsmith was one of three major acquisitions for the Dolphins, who suddenly found themselves flush with cap space after Tyreek Hill announced his retirement. Miami also signed former Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (3 years, $52.7M) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2 years, $8.88M) on the opening day of free agency.

Humphrey also signed a one-year deal, heading to the Buffalo Bills on a $17.4 million contract to bolster their secondary.

Other notable deals on the first day of free agency included the Titans signing TE Cole Kmet (3yr/$39M), Rams signing CB Mike Sainristil (2yr/$15.2M), Charges signing FS Jevon Holland (3yr/$36.6M) and CB Jamel Dean (1yr/$7.55M), Cleveland signing WR Kyler Kasper (3yr/$25.4M), and Bears signing HB Tyrone Tracy Jr (3yr/$19.2M).

[Soapy]

brother ewww