The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a transformative offseason, with free agency offering a prime opportunity to reshape their roster. New head coach Mike McCarthy, having finalized his coaching staff, will be working closely with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to identify key signings that align with their strategic vision.
Graham, fresh from his stint as the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, is expected to implement a 3-4 defense with a strong emphasis on Nickel packages. This shift could lead to the departure of some high-cost veterans on defense, opening the door for fresh talent.
Drawing parallels to Arthur Smith's influence in Atlanta, where he brought in familiar faces like Jonnu Smith and Van Jefferson, Graham might advocate for acquiring players he's previously coached.
Let's dive into three potential signings for the Steelers, all with ties to Patrick Graham:
Eric Stokes, CB
Eric Stokes, a former first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers, has shown significant growth since joining the Raiders. In 2025, Stokes started 16 games and was impressive in coverage, allowing just 28 receptions for 261 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. His performance earned him a top-20 PFF grade, highlighting his development into a reliable boundary cornerback.
Standing at 6'0 5/8'' and weighing 194 pounds, with blazing 4.31 speed, Stokes is living up to his first-round potential. At 27, he's in his prime, and with a projected salary of $7.3 million per season, he's a financially viable option for the Steelers. Pairing Stokes with Joey Porter Jr. could solidify the secondary, especially with James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. entering free agency.
Elandon Roberts, LB
Elandon Roberts' connection to the Steelers is multifaceted. Not only did he play under Graham with the Raiders, but he's also a familiar face in Pittsburgh. Some fans felt his departure last year was a misstep, as Roberts' performance outshone that of his replacement, Malik Harrison.
Reuniting with Roberts could be a savvy move for the Steelers, especially if they decide to release Harrison to free up cap space. Despite being in his thirties, Roberts brings a hard-hitting, downhill style that could reinvigorate the Steelers' linebacker corps.
Devin White, LB
With Patrick Queen's cap hit looming at over $17 million for 2026, the Steelers might look to cut costs by releasing him, saving $13.3 million in the process. Enter Devin White, a player who, despite recent struggles, still offers speed and aggression as a sideline-to-sideline linebacker.
White's 2025 stats include over 1,100 defensive snaps, 174 tackles (95 solo), and 11 tackles for loss. While his coverage issues mirror those of Queen, White's familiarity with Graham's system could make him a valuable, cost-effective addition.
In summary, the Steelers have a golden opportunity to bolster their defense with players who fit Graham's scheme and bring a blend of experience and potential. As they navigate free agency, these strategic moves could set the tone for a successful season ahead.