The wide receiving corps for the Pittsburgh Steelers is going to look a whole lot different in 2026 compared to 2025. The main reasons for that are the additions of veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard. Pairing these two playmakers with DK Metcalf could lead to an immediate boost in production. Training camp will be a great time for the coaching staff to understand how the trio can be best utilized. One factor that can't be ignored, however, is the potential for injuries. On the surface, the room is better, but overall, the depth could concern some based on how the group is looking in late July.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs on the field at the UPMC Sports Complex as the team practices during 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
General Manager Omar Khan is always looking for ways to better the roster. Right now, the three wideouts, along with Roman Wilson, might be good enough based on how the unit has looked in previous years. However, if another veteran addition makes sense, it shouldn't be ignored because making the offense more dynamic will only lead to more points being put on the scoreboard.
There is an incredibly shifty option still available on the market. The Steelers have been tied to Deebo Samuel recently, and he would be a fascinating addition because of his ability to move all over the place. While he might not be as explosive as he once was, there is reason to believe that he still has what it takes to contribute, specifically in the red zone.
In a recent video posted to his YouTube channel, Samuel went into detail about what it has been like throughout the 2026 offseason. He is confident that he has a lot more left in him.
"Going on Year 8," Samuel stated. "[I] still feel like I got a lot, at least like three, four good years left. It's kind of been tough, not even going to lie to you. All the free agency stuff going on, waking up in the morning, looking at your phone, seeing if your agent hit you and was like, 'This team is interested,' or things along those lines."
All teams that could use wide receiver help and/or depth, including the Steelers, would be wise to pay attention to what Samuel had to say. He's not just announcing that he has enough left for a one-year, veteran minimum type of deal. There is a lot of gas in the tank. He expanded on what he will be capable of moving forward.
"It's been kind of like a roller coaster. [I've] been through a lot, not just ball. With me and how I play this game, it's just like, no matter what I'm going through, no matter what I'm doing, if I'm able to perform, I'm going to go out there and put it on the line for my team."
As professional athletes get older, they have to come to grips with possibly not being the centers of attention anymore. Is Samuel better than Wilson? Most likely. He even could be a fantastic option to use until Bernard is fully ready. Additionally, Bernard and Samuel are both guys who could line up in the slot. The rookie could learn a lot from the accomplished veteran.
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Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard participates in team rookie minicamp at Steelers facilities in May of 2026.
Bringing in Samuel seems most likely to happen if there is some kind of injury in training camp. It might be why guys like him and Keenan Allen have yet to ink new contracts despite being free agents.
A lot happens throughout the NFL from late July and during the month of August, so there is no need to willingly accept a bottom-of-the-depth chart role when an attractive opportunity could pop up at any time. Regardless, the announcement from Samuel is a big one. He doesn't just believe he has one season left; he thinks he has several. That's something for Khan and other general managers to pay attention to.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Likely Won't Make A Move Unless Dire Circumstances Arise
While it would be great to add more pedigree to the room, Pittsburgh already has Metcalf and Pittman. Samuel is a gadget player who could slot in essentially anywhere, but his presence won't be necessary in the Steel City unless there is a true need to bring in another pass-catcher. As training camps around the league get set to begin, it was a smart strategic move for Samuel to say these things now. The Steelers, and other franchises, might keep him at the top of mind.
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