Steelers Seek Exciting Addition As Fans May See DK Metcalf Take A Step Back On The Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through some major shifts during the 2026 offseason. An entirely new coaching staff is going to be brought in under new head coach Mike McCarthy, and a new lead man means there might be some significant personnel changes. This is a new era for Pittsburgh fans, so it will be interesting to see how it starts out. The offense needs some work, and the defense needs to cut some of its spending while getting better results from the unit. McCarthy is offensive-minded, so hopefully he can get more out of that side of the ball than in years past.

A big problem with Pittsburgh's offense recently has been the passing game. That comes down to a few components. The offensive line has been an issue at points, as has the quarterback, and the wide receiver group has been below-average in recent years. The offensive line took a step forward in 2025 and was one of the best in the league when it came to protecting the passer, but Pittsburgh still has major questions at quarterback and wide receiver. Team insider Gerry Dulac pointed out that the team plans to address one of those issues in the draft.

"As for WR, there is no question they will attack it high in the draft, especially with [Mike McCarthy]," Dulac wrote. "And I don't think it's WR#2. Maybe that role is more suited for Metcalf."

Dulac stated that the organization will attack the wide receiver position high in the draft, and whoever is selected might not be the second wide receiver on the depth chart. If the franchise can land a wide receiver with good upside, it might bump Metcalf down on the offense and the rookie would take over the number one role.

It is hard to imagine how Metcalf might feel about a potential change like this. It doesn't mean his production will go down, it could even increase. He will still be on the field for nearly every offensive snap, and it might give McCarthy some more freedom to move him around the offense.

The 2026 NFL Draft should be full of high-level talent at wide receiver, and Pittsburgh could be primed to get a top target with the 21st overall pick. NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has a lot of belief in this crop of wide receivers, and one has to land with Pittsburgh after how weak the position has looked for the franchise.

There are a few names to keep in mind for the Steelers with the 21st overall pick. Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Denzel Boston are all expected to be first-round selections. Tate and Lemon are expected to be off of the board before Pittsburgh picks, and Boston has been a popular mock draft selection for Pittsburgh amongst various analysts.

Steelers Could Break Organizational Trend By Drafting A Wide Receiver

The Steelers have not selected a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft since the franchise drafted Santonio Holmes in 2006. There have been several second-round picks that have been used on the position since then, but no first-rounders. Dulac believes that pattern gets snapped in 2026. This is necessary for the offense, and it would make sense for that to be the priority with an offensive-minded head coach like McCarthy. Hopefully one of the top names is still on the board by the time the Steelers are picking, but the franchise does have plenty of draft capital to move up in the first round.

What do you think about the Steelers drafting a wide receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? Who would you want to pick? Comment below!

#SteelerNation