While everyone focuses on the quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, it's not their only pressing need. Aaron Rodgers is expected to return as the starting quarterback, but other options remain on the table. The aging gunslinger could call it a career or expand his decision-making process beyond the Steelers' comfort level.
The offense must push on either way.
Other than the quarterback vacancy sticking out like a sore thumb, don't look past the need to revitalize the receiver position. DK Metcalf remains under contract and is earning a significant salary. His first year in Pittsburgh was mostly positive, but he did show signs of struggle at times. Perhaps the pressure of being the only top weapon at the position was too much for him to overcome.
Pittsburgh would be wise to invest heavily in the receiver position this offseason.
No matter if they do that in free agency, the NFL Draft, or both. It is something they should have done more of in recent years, but their plans failed. With Mike McCarthy now in the fold, his offense will demand better receivers. Don't be surprised if the weapons on offense are much different when the season starts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must improve the WR position in free agency and the NFL Draft
The good news for the Steelers is that there should be talented playmakers to choose from this offseason.
Free agency can become tricky because you must award an incoming player a new contract, plus you must convince them to join your team over others. It could become a bidding war, but if the free agent is worth the dollar amount, the Steelers would be wise to fork over the money.
Pittsburgh has significant cap space this offseason to pull off a move to add a receiver in free agency, but don't rule out the NFL Draft. They may sign a free agent to start while still selecting a receiver early in the 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a potential shift toward a more offense-focused era in Pittsburgh. It would be a sight to behold.
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There could be some high-quality receivers hitting free agency this offseason, and that doesn't even count those who could be considered as trade chips or cap casualties. Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Christian Kirk are some of the top names available.
The Steelers could consider investing heavily in one of them to support Metcalf and restore relevance to the receiving group under McCarthy’s direction.
Another strong option is targeting the need in the upcoming draft. It is labeled as a deep group of playmakers, and Pittsburgh could use the help. If the Steelers don't sign a notable free agent, they will probably draft one or two receivers this offseason. Some of the most respected names they would love to land could be Denzel Boston, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, or KC Concepcion.