Pittsburgh Steelers fans are locked on one name this offseason — T.J. Watt.
The four-time All-Pro is in the middle of contract extension talks, and the process has already kept him out of mandatory minicamps and OTAs. While optimism surrounds a deal eventually getting done, the Steelers front office has more on their plate than just No. 90’s future.
With the offense undergoing a major overhaul and depth being tested on both sides of the ball, several under-the-radar contributors are stepping into larger roles.
Some of those players have contracts set to expire sooner than fans might realize. If the Steelers want continuity — and to reward growth — they’ll need to act early.
Here are three key players the Steelers must strongly consider re-signing sooner rather than later:
These Pittsburgh Steelers are playing with everything on the line in 2025
Calvin Austin III (WR)
Speed kills — and Calvin Austin III has it in spades. The third-year wide receiver enters the 2025 season with a golden opportunity: an increased role in Arthur Smith’s reshuffled offense and a contract year that could shape his future in Pittsburgh.
Austin was drafted in the fourth round in 2022 and signed a four-year, $4.1 million rookie deal. Since then, he’s compiled 728 yards on 53 receptions from 88 targets. He’s shown flashes, but injuries and limited usage have kept him from breaking out. That may change this season, as the Steelers are thin at wide receiver and need someone to stretch the field.
Austin will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. A strong showing in 2025 — especially as a deep threat or return specialist — could earn him an extension that locks in a valuable piece for the offense. If he can stay healthy and prove consistent, there’s no reason Pittsburgh shouldn’t secure him before he hits the open market.
Beanie Bishop Jr. (CB)
One of the best surprises of 2024 came in the form of Beanie Bishop Jr. — an undrafted free agent who wasn’t supposed to be a starter, let alone a playmaker. But when injuries piled up in the secondary, Bishop answered the call with *four interceptions* and multiple game-saving moments.
Bishop signed a three-year, $2.85 million deal in 2024 and will earn $960,000 in base salary this season. He’s under contract through 2026 and will be a restricted free agent in 2027. While there’s no rush to re-sign him just yet, the Steelers would be wise to reward his development early.
Especially if he builds on last season’s momentum.
At just 24 years old, Bishop has a high ceiling and fits Pittsburgh’s blue-collar defensive identity. If he delivers again in 2025, extending him before he gains more leverage could be smart and cost-effective.
Jaylen Warren (RB)
Jaylen Warren is one of those players every Steelers fan respects — gritty, explosive, and reliable. As an undrafted free agent, Warren’s path to success wasn’t easy, but he made the most of his chances. In 2024, he totaled 821 scrimmage yards and averaged 4.3 yards per carry. It displayed quickness and balance that often gave the offense a much-needed spark.
While his touchdown numbers were low (just two), that was more about splitting touches with Najee Harris than a reflection of Warren’s ability. With rookie Kaleb Johnson joining the mix, Warren will need to fend off competition once again — but that’s exactly the environment he thrives in.
He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, meaning this season is critical. If Warren proves he can be a long-term contributor — or even push for RB1 duties — the Steelers should reward his perseverance and extend him before other teams start calling.
T.J. Watt’s contract might dominate headlines, but he’s not the only one with something to prove in 2025.
Calvin Austin, Beanie Bishop, and Jaylen Warren are all poised to play critical roles in Mike Tomlin’s quest to push this team deep into the postseason. Each has shown enough to earn the front office’s attention — and possibly, their commitment.
Pittsburgh prides itself on building from within and rewarding the players who grind their way to starting roles. These three fit that mold, and with strong 2025 campaigns, they could become long-term staples of the Steelers’ next era.
Now it’s time to see who steps up — and who earns their future in black and gold.
