The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 offseason is one of the most important the franchise has seen in a long time. They were forced to revamp the coaching staff with former head coach Mike Tomlin resigning following the team's most recent playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Following that decision, the Steelers named fellow Yinzer Mike McCarthy the franchise's 17th head coach. Now that the coaching staff is set, it's time to make roster moves. The Steelers have plenty of holes on the team going into 2026, but luckily for them, they have plenty of cap space to work with.
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DK Metcalf carries the football against the Minnesota Vikings.
The wide receiver position has arguably been the Steelers' biggest problem over the last two seasons. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has seemingly neglected the position, failing to invest enough into it. He traded for DK Metcalf in the 2025 offseason, then a few weeks later, he sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers traded Pickens post-draft, also electing not to use a draft pick on a wide receiver. That move was costly. Calvin Austin III served as the team's wide receiver two (WR2) in 2025 for much of the season. Austin is not a bad player, but he proved that he is best suited as a number three or four option.
Former Steelers Super Bowl champion, Bryant McFadden recently appeared on CBS Sports. He discussed what the Steelers need on offense and mentioned the obvious quarterback situation as well. He also mentioned the Steelers' lack of playmakers around the next quarterback. McFadden gave the Steelers a pretty safe solution to this nagging issue.
"Ideally for me, if I gave out my personal opinion, I would love the Pittsburgh Steelers to answer that question in free agency and in the draft because clearly there's a major need for playmakers at the wide receiver position outside of DK Metcalf," McFadden said.
The Steelers haven't had a real WR2 threat since they traded Diontae Johnson. They have tried with older veterans, but have failed miserably in recent years. Now, several seasons after trading Johnson, they still haven't figured it out. If there was an offseason for the Steelers to really get some quality wide receivers, it's 2026. There are some underrated free agents that are set to hit the market, but also some excellent talent in the upcoming draft.
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Miami wide receiver Jaylen Waddle celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
Steelers fans have been advised to keep an eye on Miami Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle after the team was interested in him during the 2025 regular season, but never pulled the trigger. This move would likely cost a premium draft pick or two. Waddle would instantly solve the wide receiver problem however, but the Black and Gold would lose a much-needed draft pick. Free agency may be the best option prior to the draft, rather than the trade market.
Jalen Nailor of the Minnesota Vikings is set to be a free agent and is ready for a breakout season. He's been playing behind stars Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor would be a good, cheap fallback option.
Another young, solid option is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell. Atwell is in a similar situation as Nailor, playing behind some serious star power in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Either one of these players would be a good free agent pickup for the Steelers.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor gets excited after making a big play for his team during a professional football game in the 2025 regular season.
Steelers Should Trade Up In The Draft For A Wide Receiver
The Steelers currently sit with the 21st pick in the upcoming draft. There are many teams in need of a wide receiver, including their rival, the Baltimore Ravens. If the Steelers stay put at 21, they will likely not get one of the top wide receivers of this draft. If the Steelers want to make up for past mistakes, they must land one of the top three wide receivers: Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordan Tyson. One of these three selections gives the Steelers a long-term solution to their second-biggest need after quarterback.
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