The Pro Bowl may not carry the same mystique it once did, but don’t be fooled-earning a spot still says a lot about a player's standing in the league. For teams looking to make a leap, it’s a useful marker for identifying talent worth pursuing. And for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are staring down a pivotal offseason, there’s an opportunity here to land some serious difference-makers.
Armed with cap space and a roster that’s not far off from contending, Pittsburgh could-and arguably should-target pending free agents who just earned Pro Bowl honors. These aren’t just flashy names; they’re proven performers who could fill key needs and elevate the Steelers from fringe playoff team to legitimate contender.
Let’s take a closer look at three Pro Bowlers who could be on Pittsburgh’s radar as free agency approaches.
Daniel Jones, QB - Indianapolis Colts
Yes, that Daniel Jones. And no, this isn’t a typo.
The former Giants quarterback found new life in Indianapolis this past season, reminding folks why he was once a top-10 draft pick. While his year was cut short by injury, his production before going down was enough to turn some heads: 3,101 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions in 13 starts. That’s not just serviceable-that’s starter-level play.
Jones’ resurgence makes him a fascinating option for quarterback-needy teams, and Pittsburgh could be one of them. Head coach Mike McCarthy has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and maximizing their strengths. If Jones is available on a short-term, prove-it deal, he could be a low-risk, high-upside addition.
The question, of course, is whether the Steelers want to go the veteran route again. But if they do, Jones is a name worth watching.
Devin Lloyd, LB - Jacksonville Jaguars
Consistency. Athleticism.
Youth. Devin Lloyd checks all the boxes.
The 27-year-old linebacker earned his first Pro Bowl nod this season, and the timing couldn’t be better-he’s set to hit free agency in March. A former first-round pick back in 2022, Lloyd has steadily grown into one of the more dependable off-ball linebackers in the league. He’s rangy, instinctive, and brings the kind of sideline-to-sideline presence that Pittsburgh’s defense has lacked in recent years.
The Steelers do have a decision to make with Patrick Queen, whose future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. If they move on from Queen, the money saved could be redirected toward Lloyd.
And it won’t come cheap-Spotrac projects Lloyd to land a three-year deal worth over $60 million. That’s a hefty investment, but if it shores up the middle of the defense, it might be money well spent.
Pittsburgh has long prided itself on hard-nosed, linebacker-led defenses. Lloyd could be the next in that lineage.
Mike Evans, WR - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans is one of those guys who doesn’t need an introduction. Seven Pro Bowls.
A decade of dominance. And still producing at a high level.
Now, for the first time in his career, Evans is openly considering a move. The Buccaneers would love to keep him, but Evans wants to win-and if Tampa Bay can’t convince him they’re close, he may test the open market.
Enter the Steelers.
If Pittsburgh is serious about making a splash-and there are whispers that they might be-Evans would be a dream fit. Lining him up opposite DK Metcalf would give the Steelers one of the most physically imposing receiver duos in the league. Sure, he’s not the burner he once was, but Evans still wins with size, savvy, and elite ball skills.
Spotrac estimates his next deal at two years and $26.62 million-a relative bargain for a player of his pedigree. If the Steelers are looking to add a veteran presence who can still take over games, Evans fits the bill.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers are at a crossroads. They’ve got a defense that can win now, a coach who knows how to build a contender, and just enough cap flexibility to make a splash in free agency. Targeting Pro Bowl-caliber talent like Daniel Jones, Devin Lloyd, and Mike Evans isn’t just about star power-it’s about plugging real holes with proven players.
This offseason, Pittsburgh has a chance to shift the narrative. These three names could be the first step in doing just that.