The Pittsburgh Steelers 2024-2025 season is officially over, and it ended with a defiant thud with the black-and-gold dropping five straight games with another early playoff exit.

Fans are frustrated, which might be putting it mildly, but they want to know what is next for the franchise?

Where do the Steelers go from here?

This is the start of a multi-article series which outlines what I think, not what I know will happen with the Steelers moving forward from this lowly state. Where did we start? Where else, the coaching staff. If you missed any of the previous articles, check the links below:

Part 1: The Coaching Staff

This next part of the process is to start assessing the Steelers roster, and players who are slated to become Free Agents, in some way. By now, we know the difference between Unrestricted Free Agents and the other types, but let’s see who I would keep, and let walk, among the Steelers list of free agents heading into the 2025 offseason.

Unrestricted Free Agents

QB Justin Fields – KEEP

I’d keep Fields, and try to negotiate a 2-year deal which would be easy for the organization to get out from under if things don’t work out in 2025. Needless to say, I like Fields youth and potential upside more than I do the next guy on the list. As for the type of contract, from a numerical standpoint, more on that in the next part of this series.

QB Russell Wilson – LET WALK

I like Russell Wilson, but we all saw what happened down the stretch this season. Wilson’s best ball is behind him, and unless he is willing to return as a back-up, I’m fine letting him test the free agent waters.

WR Mike Williams – KEEP

I like what Williams provided the offense, when they actually used him, and he could be a piece of the puzzle in 2025. I’d be okay with a 2-year deal, and the biggest factor being he stayed healthy in 2024. Coming off a late season ACL tear in 2023, he should be fully healthy in 2025.

WR Van Jefferson – LET WALK

I can’t see a reason to keep Jefferson when there are other receivers out there, probably much cheaper, who can fill his role.

TE MyCole Pruitt – LET WALK

Pruitt served a purpose, but the only reason I’d keep him is if I am parting ways with Conner Heyward, and Heyward is still on his rookie contract. Pruitt can walk, unless he returns extremely cheap.

RB Najee Harris – LET WALK

The Steelers had their shot at keeping Najee with a 5th year option, and they declined it. So, I fully expect the team to allow him to test the free agent waters. That doesn’t mean it is impossible he doesn’t return, but it would have to be based on the fact no other team is interested in his services.

OG James Daniels – LET WALK

A ruptured Achilles tendon in the final year of your contract is brutal, but that’s life in the NFL sometimes. I think Daniels will cost too much money for the Steelers to entertain bringing him back. Let the youth movement along the offensive line continue.

OL Nate Herbig – KEEP

Herbig is a keep for me just because of his position flexibility. Also, let me be clear here, keeping Herbig doesn’t mean he makes the 53-man roster in 2025. Giving him a cheap 2-year deal could be a smart move for the team to add depth along the offensive line.

CB Donte Jackson – LET WALK

There are rumors the Steelers are entertaining Jackson returning, and I am okay with that only if he is tabbed as CB3 on the depth chart. And the price tag has to match that CB3 label. Jackson continues to deal with health issues, and although he led the team in interceptions, might be best to just let walk.

S Damontae Kazee – LET WALK

Kazee has been a good piece of the Steelers secondary puzzle, but I feel the production, or lack thereof, he provides could be had for much cheaper on the open market or in the NFL Draft.

ILB Elandon Roberts – KEEP

Roberts is getting long in the tooth, but he provides veteran leadership which is extremely valuable to the defense. Give him a 1-year deal and hope he can be the veteran presence necessary in the middle of the defense.

WR Scotty Miller – LET WALK

Miller is quality depth, and I could see them trying to bring him back, but I’m trying to upgrade the WR position, not just tread water.

ILB Tyler Matakevich – LET WALK

Matakevich is a special teams only player at this point in his career. Do the Steelers need to bring him back? I don’t think so.

QB Kyle Allen – KEEP

I would keep Kyle Allen, but the Steelers signing Skylar Thompson to a Reserve/Future contract might throw a wrench in this plan. Allen would be a good QB3, like he was in 2024.

DB Cam Sutton – LET WALK

This seems like a no-brainer for me. Sutton doesn’t have the athleticism anymore to play a high level of defensive back in the NFL anymore.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk – LET WALK

Loudermilks are a dime a dozen at this juncture, and I still can’t believe the team traded up to get him at one point.

OT Dan Moore Jr. – LET WALK

Even if the Steelers wanted to keep Moore, he likely priced his way out of Pittsburgh with his play the last two seasons. Left tackles, even mediocre ones, demand a high price tag. Let Moore get his bag elsewhere.

Restricted Free Agents

RB Jaylen Warren – KEEP

I think keeping Warren for more than one year would be a very wise decision for the Steelers. Warren wouldn’t be the only back on the roster, free agency and the draft can help round out the depth chart, but keeping Warren as your do-it-all back is a must to me.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

OLB Jeremiah Moon – KEEP

Moon doesn’t just produce value at OLB, but also on special teams. Keep Moon since he’ll be cheap and hope he can develop as a pass rusher for depth purposes.

C Ryan McCollum – KEEP

I was very happy with McCollum’s play this season with Zach Frazier hurt. Keep him on the roster to have some quality depth on the interior offensive line.

What changes would you make? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the offseason.