Aside from finding a quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers had two clear objectives entering the 2026 offseason: improve the wide receiver position and add depth at cornerback. Thankfully, they were able to do both in free agency.
After executing a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers made a surprise signing—adding high-profile cornerback Jamel Dean to their roster via free agency. These moves came immediately after re-signing CB Asante Samuel Jr.
While there's still room to improve at both receiver and cornerback, Pittsburgh's early wave of free agency may have already resulted in a seismic shift in Omar Khan's philosophy in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could shift draft focus away from wide receiver and toward the offensive trenches
The Steelers found a way to improve at both cornerback and wide receiver, giving themselves plenty of flexibility early in the draft. Before this, it felt like Pittsburgh was on track to address WR and CB in the first two rounds—perhaps even in that order.
Though the Steelers are still essentially guaranteed to add receiver and secondary help through the draft, their offseason additions give them some flexibility early in the NFL Draft. This could mean shifting the focus to the offensive trenches.
Pittsburgh lost veteran starting guard Isaac Seumalo to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Meanwhile, left tackle Broderick Jones is entering a contract year and is recovering from spinal fusion surgery. At this stage, it feels likely that 2026 could be his final season in Pittsburgh.
Even if the Steelers like Dylan Cook as a stop-gap option at left tackle, there's no guarantee he will be anything more than that after playing in just five NFL games entering his age-28 season.
Because of this, the Steelers could shift their draft plans entirely.
Instead of going after players like wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and KC Concepcion or cornerback Aveion Terrell in Round 1, perhaps Khan would be more apt to take the best player along the offensive trenches. This could mean going with a high-floor prospect like Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane or a projecting starting NFL tackle like Clemson's Blake Miller or Caleb Lomu.
If the Steelers are interested in a high-upside swing, they could opt for mammoth Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor or Arizona State's Max Iheanachor (Georgia's Monroe Freeling might go too high to be considered at pick 21 at this point).
Of course, there's a chance that a good prospect falls that the Steelers can't resist. Spencer Fano, who played tackle at Utah, could fall due to his short 32 1/8'' arms. Many teams will project him as a guard or center at the next level, and he's too good to make it much further than pick No. 21 in the NFL Draft, if he slides that far.
Right now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have more questions with the left side of their offensive line than they do at wide receiver and cornerback. If some of these holes remain heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, don't be surprised if Khan pivots on the team's draft plans completely.