UPDATED: March 13
NFL free agency officially begins when the clock strikes 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 and the new league year starts.
Ahead of free agency the team secured Ramon Foster and Tyson Alualu, keeping both of them in black and gold through the 2020 season and allowing them to avoid free agency.
"It's good to have it over with," said Foster. "The Steelers have been our home for over a decade now. It's awesome to be able to extend my career there, also my family. It's always been a second home to us. We are excited. When we started talking we got it done quick because both sides wanted to get it done. It's definitely a relief."
Alualu, who originally signed with the Steelers as a free agent from Jacksonville, was also happy not to have to go through the process.
"It feels great," said Alualu. "I am blessed to be able to come back and play for an organization that I love being around, from the top to the bottom. From management to my teammates. I am thankful to get something done and be with the group of guys that are chasing that trophy. I am just excited to get something done as soon as possible."
The team also agreed to terms with Jordan Berry and Anthony Chickillo prior to the start of free agency.
The following are slated to become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday, at which point any movement to another team can become official. All unrestricted free agents are free to negotiate and sign with any other team, without giving the Steelers the opportunity to re-sign them.
Unrestricted Free Agents: Le'Veon Bell, Nat Berhe, L.J. Fort, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter, Jesse James, Dan McCullers, Stevan Ridley, Coty Sensabaugh and L.T. Walton.
The Steelers also have two restricted free agents. Restricted free agents have three accrued seasons in the NFL. The Steelers would have the right of first refusal and/or potentially the right to draft choice compensation if any of their restricted free agents who received a tender were to sign with another team.
Restricted Free Agents: B.J. Finney and Xavier Grimble, both of whom were given tenders.
The team has two exclusive rights players. Exclusive rights players may not negotiate with other teams once they receive a qualifying offer. Players with fewer than three accrued NFL seasons whose contracts have expired become exclusive rights players.
Exclusive Rights Players: Matt Feiler and Mike Hilton.
