Steelers' Fan Base Is Focused On The Wrong Packers WR in 2026 NFL Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of a wide receiver room rebuild. Currently, only DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are under contract. The positional group disappointed fans and brass alike, and the Steelers will look to free agency and the NFL Draft to address these concerns. Pittsburgh will hopefully add another dynamic receiver alongside Metcalf. The Steelers have plenty of options as this year's draft is considered deep at the position; there are free agent receivers that could be enticing, too.

The Green Bay Packers have multiple receivers that could be made available through trade. The Steelers and many other teams are closely monitoring Romeo Doubs, who is set to hit the market. His talks with Green Bay did not result in a deal, and he will be a huge target for teams needing quality receiver depth. Doubs has been a solid receiver in Green Bay and is considered a solid all-around receiver who could thrive with more targets and usage. 

However, the Packers' receivers that the Steelers could be interested are not necessarily the highly-touted Doubs or potential trade target Jayden Reed. Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst seems hesitant to move on from Reed, and, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, a different Green Bay wideout could be made available via trade. 

"Green Bay's Dontayvion Wicks has come up in my talks. Teams have interest in Green Bay's Jayden Reed, but I don't sense the Packers would trade him at this point," Fowler wrote. 

The Steelers could explore trade options for Dontayvion Wicks, who is coming off a great season, despite being in an absolutely crowded receiver room. Wicks had to compete for targets with the likes of Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, Reed, and Doubs. Wicks could be a relatively cheap acquisition who could really benefit from being involved in an offense that could see him in an expanded role. 

Wicks has played three seasons in Green Bay and has had his fair share of ups and downs. Last season, he started only seven games out of his 14 played; however, as mentioned before, the Packers were loaded at receiver. Wicks only had 46 targets, where he hauled in 30 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. Wicks had 76 targets in 2024, but only had 39 catches. 

His role in the Steelers' offense could be a positive for Wicks to really prove himself. Wicks will be on the last year of his rookie deal, as the former 2023 fifth-round pick will need a new contract after this season. 

However, this plays as positive for Pittsburgh as he won't be a huge hit against the cap this year and more than likely will not cost a lot to acquire. This acquisition would be a low-risk, high-reward move for Pittsburgh as Wicks could benefit from increased targets. The Steelers will have plenty of cap room in 2027 to consider re-signing Wicks if he can prove himself as a high-quality weapon. 

Steelers Need To Add Receivers Any Way They Can

Pittsburgh's receiver room is as thin as ever, currently. The Steelers need to find ways to build up the room and give whoever plays quarterback this season plenty of weapons to work with. 

Metcalf is coming off a career-worst season; he had little help from his surrounding receivers, and the Steelers' passing game left a lot to be desired. The Black and Gold should look to use a variety of strategies to add more depth at the position. Their other top receiver, Calvin Austin III, will head to free agency, but could be another depth piece if Pittsburgh re-signs him. 

The Steelers desperately need help, and a trade for Wicks, signing outside free agents, and drafting receivers could all be options for Pittsburgh to upgrade their receiving core. No matter what, the Black and Gold will find themselves with some new receiving talent one way or another. 

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