Steelers Won't Compromise Their 2026 NFL Draft Plans To Add Another Play-Maker This Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Thursday. It's no secret that the Black and Gold are looking to add another play-maker to the offense after sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers have a limited number of trustworthy receiving targets currently behind new wideout addition DK Metcalf, and Pat Freiermuth, the team's starting tight end since 2021. Whether the Steelers look to add another receiver or tight end, a new pass-catcher is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh sometime this offseason. 

On Thursday, an odd report came from ESPN's Adam Schefter, revealing that the Steelers are reportedly involved in trade talks with the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith, who put up career numbers in 2024. This report puzzled many fans in the Steel City, considering they signed Freiermuth to a new contract ahead of last year. The only connection that could be made is the relationship Arthur Smith may have had with him previously. 

Multiple Steelers insiders have already reported and shared their beliefs that Schefter's report regarding Miami's tight end may just be a leverage tactic by Smith's agent. After a breakout season, Smith wants a new contract with the Dolphins, who may not be willing to do so with a tight end that will be turning 30 years old by the regular season kickoff. It's more likely that the Steelers are looking to add a wide receiver to the 2025 offense, rather than a tight end. 

Regardless of the position of the new receiving target that the Steelers will likely eventually add, Chris Carter, a Steelers insider with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently appeared on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show and explained how the organization isn't going to give up any draft capital for 2026 to add another receiver. 

"They're gonna be patient. They're gonna wait this out. Omar Khan's gonna be like, 'Let's wait until we see where the bigger fire starts,'" Carter said on Thursday morning. "Because at the end of the day, whoever they get, they don't want to compromise their draft situation next year, where they have three third-rounders, two fourth-rounders, and two fifth-rounders."

Carter then explained how the Steelers are planning on finding their next franchise quarterback in next year's draft, where they now have a ton of capital.

"Those are the picks that they're planning to try to either help support them moving up to get that quarterback they want in 2026, or when they do get that quarterback, have the picks behind that and say, 'Hey, we're still getting a decent class on top of that quarterback.'"

Carter believes the Steelers will wait until teams, like the Dolphins and Smith, have players that may be available through a trade due to contract issues, rather than the Steelers going out and making pricey offers for big names, like Chris Olave. 

The Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft, which sparks a great opportunity for the franchise to select a quarterback that has a real shot at being the long-term solution. However, they wouldn't want to jeopardize that opportunity by giving up important draft capital to trade for a play-maker that could only be here short-term. 

Steelers' Next Offensive Addition May Be A Preferred Target For Aaron Rodgers

Nothing has come yet from Aaron Rodgers and his party about if and when he will play football somewhere in 2025. The Steelers continue to wait for him for as long as he pleases, apparently. Reporters have speculated that Pittsburgh may get a feel for who Rodgers would prefer to throw the ball to, along with Metcalf and Freiermuth being the top targets. 

Who do you think the Steelers should add to the offense? Who do you think it will most likely be? Let us know in the comments below.

#SteelerNation