The Pittsburgh Steelers are under a brighter spotlight now that Mike Tomlin is no longer at the helm. It sounds wild, but it is true. When Tomlin walked away, Pittsburgh fans felt a new sense of optimism, a signal of change and the potential for a fresh start. Then came Mike McCarthy. His hiring initially left some fans skeptical, but perceptions are starting to shift. McCarthy has a chance to win over the fan base quickly, and a strong 2026 NFL free agency period could be the perfect way to do it.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin meets with ex-Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy after a game.
Officially, free agency kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, marking the start of the new league year. However, two days earlier, a legal negotiation period begins at 12 p.m. ET on March 9, 2026, giving McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan an early opportunity to make moves.
With the 2025 roster falling short, there is plenty of work to do. While Pittsburgh has several of their own free agents they will want to retain, the open market offers some exciting possibilities. Here are three free agents that Khan and McCarthy should consider taking calculated gambles on in the 2026 free agency period.
Mike Evans
The idea that Khan wanted Tyreek Hill seems to have been put to rest after his earlier comments about Hill were leaked. However, the prospect of a big-bodied receiver opposite DK Metcalf, such as Mike Evans, remains intriguing. If the Steelers continue to push a rebuild while still aiming to win now, they have some strategic choices to make. The wide receiver room has to get a lot better fast. What better way to do that than with Evans?
Evans has a projected market value of $13.3 million per year according to Spotrac. With reports suggesting that Aaron Rodgers may return for the 2026 season, pairing him with Metcalf and Evans, assuming Evans is willing to leave Tampa Bay, is a scenario that Khan and McCarthy will need to carefully consider.
Jaquan Brisker
The 2026 free agent safety class is relatively loaded, and the Steelers have a chance to address a key need with Jaquan Brisker. Brisker has recorded seven sacks, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles over his four NFL seasons. Drafted in the second round, 48th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brisker has been an essential part of the Chicago Bears' defense.
Matt Marton / Imagn Images
Bears safety Jaquan Brisker pumps up the crowd at Soldier Field during a playoff game at the end of the 2025 season.
He could fill a major gap for Pittsburgh if Khan and McCarthy are able to secure a deal with him. Brisker is certainly a name that Steeler Nation should keep their attention on as free agency gets going. With a market value of $11.1 million per year, this would make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh.
Malik Willis
A wise man once said, "scared money does not make money," and that applies to the NFL salary cap. The cap goes up every year, and Khan has shown he can make smart moves that manage cash effectively. The Steelers need to address the quarterback position, and McCarthy’s first year in Pittsburgh is the perfect time to do it.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images
Packers' Malik Willis looks on during a game with the Green Bay Packers.
The market price of $35.5 million per year is high for Willis, but for a team desperate for a quarterback, it makes sense. With Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, adding Willis at least gives Pittsburgh a chance to secure a franchise quarterback. It is risky, but it is better than hoping a soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback returns in 2026.
Steelers Need To Find Franchise QB
Rodgers was a great leader, but the result was not ideal for Pittsburgh as their playoff drought continued. Let McCarthy work with Howard and Willis and see what he can develop. If it does not work out, the Steelers can be in a position to draft their franchise quarterback the following year, or they may find out that Willis or Howard can be a capable starter.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.
#SteelerNation