Steelers Insider: Pittsburgh To Have A "Really Good Discussion" If Best Player At Specific Position Falls In NFL Draft

The 12 total selections that the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to have in the 2026 NFL Draft have fans extremely excited. The team could make an aggressive trade up the board, or send off some capital in the hopes that a return gets them better positioned for 2027. All in all, General Manager Omar Khan has done a very good job at making sure the decision-makers will have plenty of options come round one and as the big weekend goes on. The wide receiver, safety, and offensive guard positions have been talked about the most when the 21st overall pick comes up in discussion.

The Steelers' front office has done a stellar job at bolstering the depth chart to the point where just about any position could be in play for the first round. This will allow the brass to decide based on talent and upside, rather than simply need. That reality could bring in a new wave of prospects and the selection that occurs has the potential to truly shock people.

One thing that the franchise does need to do is bring in another offensive difference-maker. There are only four wide receivers under contract, so that appears to be the direction in which a lot of analysts believe Khan will; however, that theory might just be a little premature. There is another dynamic playmaker who is the best at his position that may be available at 21.

In a fan chat hosted on Wednesday by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the beat writer fielded questions about the organization. A lot of the chatter had to do with the 2026 NFL Draft, and rightfully so. The next big event on the league's calendar will take place in Pittsburgh at the end of April. The insider had Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq brought up, and he interestingly mentioned that the Steelers might be a dark horse in the sweepstakes for the playmaker.

"All I can tell you is, if he's there at 21, there will be some really good discussion," Dulac wrote.

This isn't a brand new concept. Dulac hinted at the fact that the Steelers could have some interest in Sadiq, but the gas is now being thrown on the fire from a very respected and connected insider. The tight end has yet to be brought in for a Top 30 visit, but if he is, that would immediately suggest that Pittsburgh has legitimate interest in the 6'3", 240-pounder.

The intriguing part about Sadiq is that the could factor into the offense immediately, and not necessarily at tight end. He has the big frame that most receivers do, and would be a nice complement to Pat Freiermuth. The team made no substantial moves to add at the position after Jonnu Smith was released and Connor Heyward left in free agency.

This hypothetical pick would be a bit shocking, but it could be one that excites the fan base. Sadiq is going to be a weapon at the professional level and is widely acknowledged as the very best at his position in the draft class. Freiermuth could remain as the true tight end, with Sadiq working in as a slot option in the passing game. Then, Darnell Washington can get involved with run blocking and in the red zone.

Steelers Might Be Content With Losing Washington In Free Agency

If Pittsburgh is truly interested in someone of Sadiq's caliber, that would suggest that Washington's final year in the Steel City might very well be 2026. There is also the slim possibility of the team taking Sadiq, trading Freiermuth and moving forward with the rookie and Washington. Essentially, there is a lot on the table at the position; however, Dulac's reporting is now suggesting that the Steelers are taking a sincere look at the best tight end that will be available in the NFL Draft.

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