The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision-makers are not going to stop hearing about questions and rumors regarding the wide receiving corps until it is fully addressed. The room needs a complete makeover in 2026, as the offense has not received consistent production from the position in quite some time. All avenues could be taken to improve the group, which include free agency, the trade market, and the 2026 NFL Draft. DK Metcalf is desperate for some help on the opposite side of him, and how the front office approaches the position will directly affect the offense's potential to blossom in the near future.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf sets up at the line of scrimmage while the team gets a work out in during 2025 training camp as fans watch the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
Based on how aggressive General Manager Omar Khan was back in the 2025 offseason, all options are likely on the table for the Steelers' front office. Metcalf was acquired, and right as the expectation was the team having two formidable options, George Pickens ended up getting dealt to the Dallas Cowboys. Fans will keep a very close eye on Pittsburgh's wide receiver decisions in the coming months.
There are veterans available via free agency; however, Khan attempting to trade for a young playmaker with potential can't be ruled out. The Steelers won't shy away from an individual that has talent, but hasn't received the best opportunity. One of these pass-catchers is Keon Coleman of the Buffalo Bills, a former second-round pick that has gotten lost on the depth chart.
The wideout hasn't been directly connected to Pittsburgh, but pretty much any possible trade talk regarding the position should bring Khan into the conversation. According to NFL insider Cameron Wolfe, though, Coleman is not going anywhere as of this moment, with General Manager Brandon Beane and new Head Coach Joe Brady excited for the young playmaker.
"One guy they do not want to trade at this time is Keon Coleman," Wolfe stated. "I talked with their general manager, Brandon Beane, and their head coach, Joe Brady. They both were adamant. They think Keon Coleman is going to have the best season of his career and they don't want to trade him."
The relationship soured between Buffalo and Coleman when Owner Terry Pegula oddly stated that former Head Coach Sean McDermott basically made the team draft the wideout back in 2024. According to Wolfe, that is all being resolved internally.
"I'm told that Beane and Brady both met with Coleman's agent at the Combine; told him something similar, shared how they believe in him, and what his plan was to have a big 2026," Wolfe said. "I'm told that Coleman's agent also met with Bills owner Terry Pegula, who told him how much he loved Keon as well."
This reporting from Wolfe seems to be coming directly from the franchise, so there is no true knowledge of how Coleman and his camp feel regarding Pegula's offseason comments and how this could all end.
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Bills' Keon Coleman extends the ball for a touchdown during a road playoff game against the Denver Broncos.
As far as a trade goes, Coleman has not produced consistently enough to force a team into giving up significant draft capital. Per Wolfe, however, the the wide receiver would not come cheap.
"They have to work together to make this thing work, so never say never on a trade, but I'm told it would likely take a day two pick for a team to land Coleman via trade," Wolfe reported.
The Steelers are set to have four selections on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft, and it would probably be much wiser to use one of those picks on a collegiate pass-catcher as opposed to a third-year receiver who has had his fair share of challenges at the professional level.
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Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman gets hit as he falls to the turf during a home game against the New York Jets in the 2025 season.
Steelers Could Take Pair Of Wide Receivers In 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh will be on the lookout for any opportunity to improve its wide receiving corps. While free agency and the trade market will be two avenues to monitor, the NFL Draft boasts an incredible amount of talent. With possibly 12 picks at Khan's disposal, it makes no sense to not grab at least two pass-catchers, but it really all depends on if the front office for the Steelers decides to make a splash prior.
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