This page lists all the 2025 NFL Signings for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the Signings. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the Signings, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL Signings here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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- Total Signings: 5
- Average Grade: B+ (87)
March 2025 – Signings
Steelers sign S Juan Thornhill (1 year, $3 million): A Grade
signed on 3/26/2025
What happened to Juan Thornhill in Cleveland? Perhaps it was the money or the poor coaching, but he regressed terribly with the Browns. He was an excellent safety with the Chiefs, but turned out to be a complete bust in Cleveland.
I like the Steelers taking a chance on Thornhill on a 1-year “prove it” deal. He’s not quite 30 yet, so he could rebound with a superior defensive coaching staff in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers sign RB Kenneth Gainwell (1 year, $1.79 million): A Grade
signed on 3/13/2025
I love the cheap contracts we’re seeing today (the details of this move were just released.) Kenneth Gainwell is a quality backup running back who can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. With Najee Harris gone, the Steelers needed to add a back to complement Jaylen Warren. I imagine they’ll be targeting a running back in the first few rounds of the draft, but Gainwell is a nice insurance policy just in case they can’t land a runner they want.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
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Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph (2 years, $8 million): A- Grade
signed on 3/13/2025
I’m sure Steeler fans are happy about this because they were not thrilled when the hero of the 2023 season went to Tennessee. Rudolph has shown that he can be a solid backup quarterback. Things didn’t work out with the Titans, but he is familiar with most of the personnel in Pittsburgh, so there won’t have to be any sort of transitional concerns.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
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Steelers sign CB Darius Slay (1 year, $10 million): B+ Grade
signed on 3/12/2025
This contract is fully guaranteed, and it’s one that a team with aspirations of making a deep playoff run would make. The Steelers seem to think they qualify as such, presumably with Aaron Rodgers, based on the moves they’ve made this offseason.
If the Steelers are right, then this contract makes a lot of sense. There’s some risk attached to this because Darius Slay is 34 and could bottom out. However, Slay, who is not nearly the dominant cornerback he once was, happened to be a solid starter for the Eagles last year, and he could play the same way in 2025.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
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Steelers sign LB Malik Harrison (2 years, $10 million): C Grade
signed on 3/10/2025
This is an overpay. Malik Harrison is a fine backup who can play the run somewhat decently. However, he tends to get abused in coverage, so he can only be a part-time player at best. I don’t get why he deserves $5 million per season, but it’s not like this contract will kill the Steelers.
Comment on the other free agent signings below.
Follow me @walterfootball for more hiring/signing grades and updates. Also, you can view theAd-Free Version of WalterFootball.com here!
