2 Cowboys That Now Could Land With Steelers During 2026 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their decision on who will be the team's next head coach. They decided to hire fellow Yinzer and Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy. While the hire isn't extremely popular with many fans or the media, McCarthy brings experience and a new approach to the team's offense. Steelers Chairman Art Rooney II felt that McCarthy was the best hire for the task at hand in the immediate future. While McCarthy hasn't had any recent playoff success, a year off and a fresh start could help him turn things around. He's not coming alone either. He has already been linked to a few former coaches, but there could be some former players as well. 

While the Steelers' roster isn't bad by any means, it could certainly use a boost, especially at the wide receiver position. The Steelers have not been able to find a suitable second wide receiver option for quite some time. Calvin Austin III is set to be a free agent in March, and it's unclear whether the franchise wants to re-sign him. Austin, being more of a slot receiver, doesn't necessarily fit the WR2 mold. Rather than re-signing him, the Steelers could look to upgrade. Jalen Tolbert of the Dallas Cowboys is the first intriguing option that comes to mind. 

Tolbert had a career year in 2024 under McCarthy and fits the role that Austin would leave behind. Tolbert had a down year after the team acquired star receiver George Pickens from the Steelers in the 2025 offseason. 

The Steelers are likely to pick a wide receiver in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Tolbert would be a good addition to pair with a first-round receiver and WR1 DK Metcalf. Tolbert is set to be a free agent this offseason. 

The Cowboys are likely to prioritize Pickens, who is also set to hit the open market. With Pickens likely to break the bank, that leaves Tolbert as the odd man out. 

Steelers' Mike McCarthy Could Also Bring Some Defensive Line Help

With the Steelers having a young defensive line and the uncertainty of Cam Heyward's future, the team could look to add a veteran to help guide the young guys. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who played for McCarthy, is another option for the Steelers. The Cowboys acquired Clark in the 2025 offseason as part of the Micah Parsons blockbuster trade. While Clark isn't what he used to be, he could still help the Steelers win games in the trenches.

The only issue with this scenario is that Clark carries a $21,000,000 cap hit going into 2026, which is more than what Heyward is set to make. That's a hefty price tag for a guy who is on the decline. However, Clark could be the Steelers' missing piece. Pittsburgh hasn't been able to find a reliable nose tackle for some time now. While current nose tackle Keeanu Benton isn't a bad player, he struggles mightily against the run. Clark however, could help Benton tremendously. 

The acquisition of Clark could help free up Benton from the nose tackle spot, allowing him to play more vertically rather than horizontally. Clark is also only 30 years old, and he wouldn't need to be a star; he'd just need to be a solid role player. With that cap hit, it would not take a premier draft pick to acquire him. It's possible Dallas would also likely take on some of that money.

As mentioned before, wide receiver and defensive tackle (specifically at the nose) are glaring needs for the Steelers, and McCarthy has an opportunity to provide both for a possible low price. What do you think? Should the Steelers look into Tolbert and Clark? What other player should the Steelers pursue in free agency? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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