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The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to have $44.9 million in cap space for the 2026 season, according to OverTheCap, putting them in the top 10 in cap space league wide. With all that money, who should the Steelers sign?
Devin Lloyd/LB/Jacksonville Jaguars
If the Steelers are looking for a potential Patrick Queen replacement, Devin Lloyd should be near the top of their list. One of the best linebackers set to hit free agency this offseason, Lloyd is coming off a career year in which he earned Pro Bowl honors and a Second-Team All-Pro selection during his contract season.
Lloyd would provide an immediate upgrade in the run game, an area where Queen struggled throughout the 2025 season. On the open market, Lloyd is currently projected to command $16–20 million per year. While Patrick Queen is currently slated to make $17 million and if the Steelers were to part ways with him this season, they would be able to save $13 million in cap space. Swapping Lloyd for Queen would be an easy swap if Lloyd was interested.
To be clear, Queen is by no means a bad player, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he remains on the roster in 2026. However, given his salary, he never fully lived up to the expectations that came with his contract when he signed in Pittsburgh. This offseason may represent the best opportunity for the Steelers to cut ties and upgrade the position.
Not to mention, depending on how much Queen commands from his next team, the Steelers could potentially receive a 2027 compensatory draft pick, similar to how Dan Moore Jr.’s departure benefitted them last offseason. If they decide to remain quiet in free agency.
Breece Hall/RB/Jets
Hall is an interesting fit for the Steelers and one that doesn’t seem to be talked about enough. With Kenneth Gainwell potentially walking in free agency, the Steelers could be in the market for another running back to pair with Jaylen Warren. While Warren is a strong contributor, he doesn’t quite offer the same true RB1 upside that Hall brings when healthy.
Availability has been Hall’s biggest issue so far in his career, as injuries have limited his time on the field. That concern is a major reason the Jets may be hesitant to re-sign him. Still, if the price is right, this is the type of high-upside gamble that could pay off for Pittsburgh.
Gainwell is projected to earn around $4 million per year after a resurgence with the Steelers. While retaining him would be a cost-effective move, there’s an argument to be made that using cap space on an elite talent like Hall could significantly raise the ceiling of the offense, assuming he could stay healthy.
Breece Hall is projected to command around $12 million per year on his next contract, and given his status as one of the Jets’ few bright spots on offense, he represents a relatively low-risk, high-reward option for the Steelers. Despite facing challenges such as inconsistent offensive line play, a revolving door at quarterback, and multiple coaching changes. Hall has consistently shown his talent and ability to make plays. Most importantly, he has explosive, breakaway ability that Pittsburgh’s offense has lacked in recent seasons.
With $44.9 million in cap space, the Steelers have the flexibility to pursue impactful free agents like Devin Lloyd and Breece Hall, who could immediately elevate their roster in 2026. If Pittsburgh truly wants to compete next year they have the resources.
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