The Pittsburgh Steelers have never been a team that’s taken an active role in free agency. They’ve usually opted to plug holes rather than sign star-level talent, but that doesn’t mean the franchise can’t find big contributors in free agency every now and then.

The Steelers have found plenty of talent in free agency since 2000, and we’ll take a look at some of the team’s best signings since then. This isn’t going to be a pure ranking, but rather a look at the top five players the team has signed, with undrafted free agents excluded from the list.

JAMES FARRIOR

This might be the most obvious name on the list. The Steelers signed James Farrior to a three-year contract with a base value of $5.4 million and a $1.7 million signing bonus in 2002. Farrior was a former top-10 pick by the New York Jets, but after signing with the Steelers, he would spend the rest of his career in Pittsburgh.

In 10 seasons with the Steelers, Farrior would be named an All-Pro twice and was the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in 2004. He totaled 1,085 total tackles, 30 sacks and eight interceptions during his time with the Steelers. He was a key part of the team’s historic 2008 defense and won two Super Bowls during his time in the Black and Gold.

JEFF HARTINGS

The Steelers signed Hartings ahead of the 2001 season after he spent five seasons with the Detroit Lions, and like Farrior, he would go on to spend the rest of his career with the Steelers. Hartings was also a two-time All-Pro during his time with the Steelers and he was an anchor in the middle, paving the way for a successful rushing attack featuring the likes of Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker.

Hartings played 14 or more games in five of his six seasons with the Steelers and all 16 four times. He was durable, reliable and exactly what the Steelers needed out of the center position. He played 90 games in six seasons with the Steelers and won a Super Bowl while continuing the team’s strong legacy at the center position.

CHRIS BOSWELL

While Boswell wasn’t a traditional offseason free agent signing, he’s one of the most deserving players on this list. Signed by the Steelers during the 2015 season, he’s since become one of the best kickers in the NFL and one of the best in Steelers’ history. A two-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2024, Boswell has taken his game to new heights in recent seasons.

Boswell has been single-handedly responsible for multiple wins, including scoring every point in the team’s most recent playoff win. It was a signing that didn’t raise any eyebrows at the time, but Boswell’s signing has turned out to be one of the most impactful of the last 15 or so years.

RYAN CLARK

Clark became Troy Polamalu’s longtime partner at safety after the Steelers signed him to replace Chris Hope following the 2005 season. He made one Pro Bowl during his eight seasons in Pittsburgh, intercepted 12 passes and made 667 tackles. He was a great complement to Polamalu at safety and was a steady and reliable member of the Steelers’ defense.

Anytime a team can get eight years as a starter from a free agent signing, it’s a good move. Clark won a Super Bowl during his time in Pittsburgh and Kevin Colbert deserves credit for bringing him in as a starter.

KIMO VON OELHOFFEN

Signed by the Steelers in February 2000, von Oelhoffen started the next six seasons for the Steelers, playing in 95 out of a possible 96 regular season games. He had the ability to play inside and defensive end, but also showed a knack for getting after the passer with 20.5 sacks during his time with the Steelers.

A starter for Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl XL team, von Oelhoffen wasn’t flashy but was consistent and reliable. I considered other players for the fifth spot, but ultimately playing five seasons and winning a Super Bowl is more impactful than a player who came in and only contributed for one or two seasons. von Oelhoffen may not be the biggest name, but he was a big reason for some of Pittsburgh’s defensive success throughout the early 2000s.