The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed several areas in the 2026 NFL Draft, but three positions quietly remain exposed when you line it up against their 2027 free agent class.

 

And these aren’t depth concerns they’re foundational issues especially on the defensive side of the football. 

 

Let’s start at inside linebacker.

 

Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison are both scheduled to hit free agency in 2027, and Pittsburgh didn’t add a single off-ball linebacker in this draft class. That’s not a position you patch together late. That’s a communication hub, a run-fit anchor, and a tone-setter in the middle of the defense. If one leaves, it’s a decision. If both leave, it’s a problem.

 

Maybe, resigning Queen is already in the works or their eyeing potential free agent linebackers in 2027, but make no mistake the need to personnel will be the focus of how Pittsburgh carries itself throughout the free agency and NFL Draft period next year. On the outside linebacker position, budding star, Nick Herbig will be available to hit the open market. 

 

Then there’s safety.

 

Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage both sit on expiring deals, and again, no draft capital was used to address the position. In today’s NFL, where coverage versatility and communication on the back end define defensive success, letting that room thin out without a developmental piece waiting in line is a gamble. 

 

If that doesn’t scare you, on the back end of the defense, know Joey Porter Jr., is also hitting the market next year. One would think that Pittsburgh will do everything in their means to retain him, but nothing is a guarantee. 

 

The third area is along the defensive interior with Keanu Benton and Esezi Otomewo are both set to become free agents, and while Pittsburgh added Gabe Rubio, his skill set doesn’t directly replace what could be lost inside. Rubio projects more as an edge or hybrid front player than a true interior presence. If Benton walks, you’re not replacing that production with what was added in this class.

 

Add in the aging wonder in team-captain Cam Heyward and stark reality of how Pittsburgh must engage if filling these holes are huge. 

 

That’s where the disconnect sits.

 

The Steelers did add talent there’s no question about that. But when you stack the incoming rookie class against the outgoing free agent list, three critical areas remain unresolved: inside linebacker, safety, and interior defensive line.

 

Maybe that’s intentional. Maybe the front office believes extensions are coming. Maybe they’re comfortable with the current depth.

Or maybe this is one of those drafts that won’t fully make sense until 2027 arrives.

 

Because right now, the holes aren’t hypothetical.

 

They’re already on the board.