The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of needs going into the 2026 offseason, including quarterback. At this point, it would be a major surprise if Aaron Rodgers is back, and there is a (small) chance that we could see a change at head coach, as well. Nothing in Pittsburgh matters until they find their next franchise quarterback, but they aren’t a franchise quarterback away from contending for a Super Bowl, either.
Outside of quarterback, you could make an argument that wide receiver is their next biggest need. The D.K. Metcalf acquisition has been underwhelming, but the Steelers have to find a better running mate in 2026, especially with Calvin Austin set to hit free agency. And with a limited free-agent class upcoming, the expectation is that Pittsburgh will use next year’s draft to find a receiver.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will find their next WR2 in the 2026 NFL Draft
The good news for Pittsburgh is that they are loaded with draft picks in 2026, and the upcoming class is filled with talent. While there isn’t a Ja’Marr Chase-level prospect, there are several players worthy of first-round picks. And according to Mel Kiper Jr, the receiver position might be the strongest in the class. Here is what he had to say about the class in a recent article over on ESPN:
"It's the strongest position of an otherwise not-great class. I think three guys could be top-10 picks -- Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Makai Lemon (USC). Injuries have complicated the WR1 race a bit, as both Tyson and Tate have missed time recently. But Lemon is the top slot receiver and one of my favorite prospects in the class. In all, we could see six receivers in Round 1, with Denzel Boston (Washington), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), Chris Bell (Louisville) and Germie Bernard (Alabama) in the mix."Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN
The Steelers could be in the market for a new slot receiver, especially one who can create quick separation and make plays on the outside. But given how much Arthur Smith loves to utilize multiple tight end sets, look for the Steelers to opt for a “bigger” receiver who can play on the outside.
Pittsburgh isn’t a team that spends first-round picks on receivers, and the last time they did so was with Santonio Holmes in the 2006 draft. While they won’t necessarily have to go that route next year, the talent and the value might line up that way for Omar Khan and the rest of the front office.
For Pittsburgh to finally get out of the gutter offensively, they need to invest more into their pass-catching weapons. And luckily for them, the 2026 draft should help them fill that need. Expect the Steelers to be aggressive in upgrading their wide receiver corps next season after another year of subpar wide-out play.