With the 2026 NFL Draft being held in Pittsburgh, it is shaping up to be a major event for the city and an even more pivotal moment for the direction of the Steelers franchise. Over the past two seasons, the Steelers have struggled to build a competent wide receiver room, and the pattern has been impossible to ignore.
It began with the trade of Diontae Johnson, which left George Pickens without a reliable complement. The following season, Pittsburgh traded away Pickens and acquired DK Metcalf, only to end up in the same situation again. A true number one receiver surrounded by limited support. Whether this approach was a preference under Arthur Smith or simply the result of circumstance, the reality remains the same. The wide receiver room has lacked depth and balance.
Now, with a new regime under Mike McCarthy, there should be a stronger emphasis on building a more complete and functional receiver group. However, attracting free agent talent continues to be difficult. Uncertainty at quarterback has long been an issue and remains a major obstacle when it comes to bringing in offensive playmakers, as the Steelers have been stuck in a cycle of instability at the position for years.
That brings the focus back to the 2026 NFL Draft. Will the Steelers finally invest early draft capital in a wide receiver to stabilize the position for the future, or will they once again turn to the trade market in search of help?
Draft or trade? How the Pittsburgh Steelers could address wide receiver in 2026
The last time the Steelers drafted a wide receiver in the first round was in 2006, when they selected Santonio Holmes. Since then, the organization developed a reputation for finding wide receiver talent outside of the first round, consistently uncovering value on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft.
That trend has shifted in recent years. Since Omar Khan took over as general manager in 2023, the Steelers have drafted just one wide receiver, selecting Roman Wilson in the third round two years ago. Wilson has struggled to see the field, and what was once a strength of the franchise has quietly become a position the front office has largely avoided addressing through the draft.
This year feels different. The Steelers hold five picks in the top 100 and twelve picks overall, creating flexibility to attack the position more aggressively. With a wide receiver class that features multiple prospects viewed as legitimate first-round talents, the question becomes whether Pittsburgh finally makes that investment early or once again turns to the trade market, as they did when acquiring DK Metcalf, while using first round capital to address another position.
One name that has been floated in trade discussions is A.J. Brown. After winning a Super Bowl in Philadelphia, reports of internal tension have surfaced, and it appears possible that the Eagles could explore moving on this offseason. With Andy Weidl’s strong ties to Philadelphia, the Steelers have already shown a willingness to target players he helped draft or acquire during his time with the Eagles.
Financially, a trade of that magnitude would not be easy, as it would require paying two wide receivers at the top of the market. However, for a team with ample cap space and no quarterback currently carrying a massive cap hit, it becomes more realistic.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to comfort versus patience. Do the Steelers pursue another established veteran, or do they invest in a rookie and accept the growing pains that come with development? Regardless of the path they choose, the wide receiver room needs significant improvement.
If they trade for a veteran, they still must draft a wide receiver somewhere in the draft. If they draft a wide receiver early, they will need to add another pass catcher through free agency, a trade, or by doubling up in the draft. Either way, addressing the position can no longer be avoided.