NFL free agency is underway, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, and free agent signings could then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Pittsburgh Steelers and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Ben Skowronek, WR
Skowronek signed a two-year deal to return to the Steelers.
What it means: The Steelers brought back one of last year's additions in inking Skowronek to a two-year deal. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said the receiver has some "dirtbag in him", so it only makes sense that Skowronek excels at the dirty work in the offense and as a special teamer. He played on 55% of special teams snaps in 2024 and was one of the primary gunners on punt coverage. Though he missed seven games on IR with a shoulder injury, he returned to the team and still finished with eight special teams tackles.
What's the risk: Skowronek isn't eating up a significant chunk of cap space, and he's a versatile player for Smith and special teams coordinator Danny Smith. There's no risk in adding him.
Scotty Miller, WR
Miller signed a one-year deal to return to the Steelers.
What it means: Miller, who spent 2023 in Atlanta with Arthur Smith, is back in Pittsburgh for another year. He played 25% of offensive snaps in 2024 and finished with five catches for 69 yards. Though he wasn't used often, he came up clutch in the rematch with Cleveland when George Pickens was sidelined with an injury. He had a season-high four targets with three catches and 38 yards.
What's the risk: Miller didn't have a significant role in the offense or on special teams, and he was released by the team on Jan. 9 before being brought back on the practice squad and elevated for the playoff game. Miller's spot on the 53-man roster is hardly solidified with this deal, but he's a solid veteran presence -- and he understands Arthur Smith's offense.
Isaiahh Loudermilk, DT
Loudermilk signed a one-year deal to return to the Steelers.
What it means: Loudermilk, a 2021 fifth-round pick, was a rotational member of the Steelers' defensive line and a contributor on special teams. The Steelers' defensive line in the midst of turnover with Larry Ogunjobi's release and Cameron Heyward nearing the end of his career. Loudermilk hasn't had a significant role in the defense thus far, but the one-year deal gives him another chance to prove he can contribute.
What's the risk: Despite re-signing Loudermilk, the Steelers still need to add more defensive linemen to shore up an interior defensive line that struggled mightily to stop the run, especially late in the season. The Steelers allowed more than 145 rushing yards per game in their past three games.
Juan Thornhill, S
Thornhill, a six-year NFL veteran and a member of the Browns in 2023 and 2024, signed a one-year with the Steelers.
What it means: The Steelers add quality depth in the secondary with the Thornhill signing. The safety position was thin behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott, and the Steelers wound up adding to the position throughout the season trying to find help. Damontae Kazee was the Steelers' third safety for most of 2024, but he's now a free agent. Bringing in Thornhill could mean the Steelers don't need to re-sign Kazee, who turns 32 in June.
What's the risk: When healthy, Thornhill can be a starting-caliber safety. The problem is, he hasn't been completely healthy recently. Thornhill dealt with a nagging calf injury last season that cost him six games, and he missed six games the year before, too. The two-time Super Bowl champion was productive during his four-year stint in Kansas City, racking up eight interceptions, but he hasn't generated a turnover since leaving the Chiefs.
Brandin Echols, CB
Echols agreed to a two-year deal with Pittsburgh.
What it means: The Steelers landed a former Jet in free agency. You guessed it: cornerback Brandin Echols. The 27-year-old former sixth-round pick was primarily used for secondary depth and on special teams during his four-year stint in New York. He'll be expected to do the same for the Steelers as he joins a secondary that was young and thin a year ago. But, Echols said Thursday, he's in Pittsburgh to compete for a starting job. He also has versatility playing slot and outside corner, but his preference is outside.
What's the risk: There's not much risk in adding Echols, because the Steelers needed quality depth in the secondary and on special teams. And they also signed Darius Slay, meaning that, despite his desire to complete, Echols isn't currently slated to be a starter. It's a good, low-risk move.
Mason Rudolph, QB
Rudolph is returning to the team that drafted him on a two-year contract.
What it means: The Steelers finally have a quarterback. It doesn't mean they won't add another -- cough, Aaron Rodgers, cough -- but Rudolph's signing gives the Steelers inexpensive stability at a position where they had none as they wait for Rodgers' decision. Rudolph, 29, hasn't played in Arthur Smith's system, but as the team's 2018 third-round pick, he's plenty familiar with how Mike Tomlin and the organization operate.
What's the risk: There's not much risk in bringing back someone with the experience of Rudolph for just $4.5 million guaranteed -- especially with Skylar Thompson as the only other quarterback currently under contract. In a thin quarterback free agent and draft class, Rudolph was the lowest-risk depth option out there while the team waits on Rodgers.
Darius Slay Jr., CB
Yet another former Philadelphia Eagles player is heading to Pittsburgh on a one-year, $10 million contract.
What it means: The Steelers continue their pattern of bringing in veteran cornerbacks to pair with 2023 second-round pick Joey Porter Jr. Last year, they traded for Donte Jackson, and the year before that, they signed Patrick Peterson in free agency. Slay, a second-round pick by the Lions in 2013, reunites with his former defensive coordinator in Teryl Austin. He figures to be the next in line to mentor Porter, whom the Steelers have high hopes for but who is still inconsistent as he enters his third season.
What's the risk: At 34 years old, Slay is in the final years of his career, but he's coming off a season in which he started 14 games, played 81% of regular-season defensive snaps, and was part of a Super Bowl-winning secondary. Even after 12 years in the NFL, Slay is still strong in coverage. He allowed two receiving touchdowns last season, along with a 54.7% completion percentage when targeted. $10 million guaranteed is more than the Steelers gave Jackson and Peterson, but Slay's numbers command a higher price tag.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Gainwell agreed to a one-year contract after Najee Harris' departure.
What it means: One more Eagles player is heading across the Keystone State to the Steelers. This time, the Steelers added Gainwell, a 2021 fifth-round pick by the Eagles, to replenish the running back room after the free agency departure of four-year starter Harris. Running behind Saquon Barkley last season, Gainwell rushed 75 times for 290 yards and a touchdown, and he also added 16 catches for 116 yards. Jaylen Warren still figures to lead the Steelers' backfield, but Gainwell gives them more depth and a potential third-down option.
What's the risk: Gainwell averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last season, though he averaged at least 4.3 yards per carry in each of his previous three seasons. Because Gainwell was a backup for four seasons behind Miles Sanders, D'Andre Swift and Barkley, it's hard to get a good read on his ceiling. Barkley, though, is a big believer in Gainwell and repeatedly said he could be a starter.
Malik Harrison, LB
Harrison agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract.
What it means: For the second year in a row, the Steelers added to their linebacking corps with a former Baltimore Ravens draft pick. This time around, they're bringing in Harrison, a 2020 third-round pick. Harrison had his best season in 2024, posting 54 tackles, including three for loss, and two sacks.The Ohio State product is best in the run game and he'll help round out a group of inside linebackers including Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb, who are stronger defending the pass. Harrison also has some position flexibility, playing outside linebacker at times for the Ravens, too.
What's the risk: Signing Harrison likely signals the end of Elandon Roberts' tenure in Pittsburgh. The former New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins inside linebacker was a hard-nosed, gritty run stuffer during his two seasons in Pittsburgh. A big personality, Roberts was a leader on the defense and brought a signature Steelers intensity when he was on the field. Harrison will be asked to fill a similar role as he reunites with former Ravens teammate Patrick Queen.