Steelers 2025 offseason primer: Little downtime on the modern NFL schedule

Their season has just ended. The NFL lasts another 3 1/2 weeks. Training camp doesn’t open for another six months, and the most likely date for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ next significant game is 234 days from Thursday.

Is it time to rest? Breathe deeply? Enjoy some free time?

Not for the Steelers – and certainly not after losing their final five games of the season.

“There’s obviously a lot of work to be done, to be completely honest with you,” coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. “I’m excited to start the process.”

Here are some key dates, storylines and facts to know as the Steelers turn the page on preparations for their 2025 season.

Free agents

Technically, 24 Steelers players have contracts that expire this spring, although that is a bit misleading for a variety of reasons. Two of them are exclusive-rights free agents, for example, meaning they have no leverage and can be held for the league minimum salary. Another, No. 1A running back Jaylen Warren, is a restricted free agent, meaning the Steelers can retain his rights with a qualifying offer.

That leaves 21 unrestricted free agents, although two of them combined for exactly eight snaps played in 2024. The starters who fall into the UFA category are quarterback Russell Wilson, left tackle Dan Moore, running back Najee Harris, cornerback Donte Jackson and inside linebacker Elandon. Roberts, wide receiver Van Jefferson and right guard James Daniels (although Daniels has missed the last 14 games due to injury).

Other key contributors who are UFAs include safety Damontae Kazee, No. 2 quarterback Justin Fields, receivers Mike Williams and Ben Skowronek, defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk, defensive back Cameron Sutton, special teamer Tyler Matakevich, offensive linemen Nate Herbig and tight end Calvin Anderson. ending MyCole Pruitt and No. 3 QB Kyle Allen.

Candidates for extension

Prominent players entering the final year of their contract in 2025 are candidates for a contract extension. Last year, it was limited to tight end Pat Freiermuth. He signed a four-year contract worth $48 million days before the team’s long-standing self-imposed deadline for the start of the regular season.

Six starting players for the Steelers have contracts that expire next spring and would theoretically be eligible for an extension, but Larry Ogunjobi (turns 32 in 2026), DeShon Elliott (generally more of a sub-package player) and Cole Holcomb ( his injury in 2023 could end his career) are not realistic candidates for an extension. Left guard Isaac Seumalo, 31, is also away.

That leaves two who are in the running for lucrative, long-term contract extensions this summer. They’re also big names: edge defender TJ Watt and wide receiver George Pickens.

Draft picks

The Steelers hold the 21st pick in the first round of the April 24-26 draft in Green Bay, Wisc.

The Steelers enter the offseason holding their picks — and no one else’s — in Rounds 2-4, on track to select No. 52, No. 83 and No. 122, respectively (although positioning in the fourth round may change subject to compensation). choice).

A number of trades are muddling the Steelers’ second half of the draft. Currently, they hold one fifth-round pick and three seventh-round selections.

Dates to know

In progress: Eligible to sign players who did not finish the season on any team’s active roster – including their own – for “reserve/future” deals. Also eligible to sign any drafted player who entered the league in 2022 or earlier (or any undrafted player who entered the league in 2023 or earlier) for an extension.

February 18: Future free agents can be designated for the “franchise” or “transition” player tags until March 4. The Steelers are unlikely to deploy either one.

February 24-March 3: The NFL’s annual gathering in Indianapolis, where potential draft picks will be reviewed. The Steelers will be most interested in wide receivers, defensive linemen, cornerbacks, running backs… and quarterbacks.

March 10: The so-called “legal tampering period” for free agents begins at noon.

March 12: The NFL’s “new championship year” begins, when free agent contracts can be officially signed.

April 21: Formal off-season programs – Phase I of “Organized Team Activities” – begin.

May 9-12: Likely weekend for rookie minicamp

May 13-29: The nine training-type field “OTAs” likely to take place in this window.

June 3-5: Mandatory minicamp

Week of July 21: Reporting day planned at Saint Vincent College for the training camp.

Weekend from September 4 to 8: The regular season opens.