The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been busy with a very hectic offseason thus far, still have plenty of their work cut out for them ahead of the 2026 season. With Mike McCarthy having his coaching staff rounded out for his first season as head coach of the Steelers, they now anticipate the start of free agency in March, as well as the 2026 NFL Draft in April, to look to upgrade the roster. The team will look to do so at many positions, as they continue to seek playoff success, something that the fan base is desperately hoping they are able to have in 2026.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy with Team Owner Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan at McCarthy's introductory press conference in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers received massive news on Monday, as the Miami Dolphins decided to release their star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Wide receiver has been a focal discussion topic around the Steelers ahead of the 2026 campaign. The organization will look to upgrade there either in free agency, the upcoming NFL Draft, or both, as the production at the position had a down year outside of DK Metcalf.
One wide receiver in this year's draft was mentioned by Josh Edwards on CBS Sports HQ on Monday that could end up in black and gold.
"Makai Lemon is a player that is grounded through the catch," Edwards said. "He's somebody that would excel in today's NFL, where if you just put the ball in his hands and give him room to operate, he's somebody that can create a lot of yards after the catch -- which is something this Pittsburgh offense has desperately needed. So if you put him in that offense now, with DK Metcalf, who, of course, has the speed, the physicality, to stretch defenses vertically -- I don't know how the quarterback situation is going to work there, but I do feel good about the players, that the player would be throwing to."
Makai Lemon, the University of Southern California product, had a breakout junior season in college with the Trojans. Lemon first started to put his name on the map in the 2024 season where he had 764 yards and three touchdowns. In 2025, he took a significant step forward, by totaling 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. His average yards per catch was also 14.6 in 2025.
Kyusung Gong / Associated Press
University of Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon running past the Rutgers defense in a 2024 college football game.
General Manager Omar Khan, who has already had a busy offseason in Pittsburgh, will now shift his focus to improving the on-field product in Pittsburgh for 2026. Lemon is listed at just under six feet tall and 195 pounds, making him the elusive playmaker that Edwards eluded to on Monday. That body frame also has much to do with his solid 14.6 yards per catch during the 2025 season with the Trojans.
Steelers' Solution At Wide Receiver Not Limited To Just One Addition
The Steelers need more than just one addition at the wide receiver position to improve a room that largely underwhelmed in the 2025 season. With Metcalf being the Steelers' best downfield option, Lemon would be an excellent draft pick and fit for the Steelers. His route running ability, as well as his ability to make plays after the catch are the perfect recipe for success to the Steelers' offense in 2026. This would provide defenses of having to worry about Metcalf over the top, which likely opens up Lemon underneath due to his great route running ability, and he would be a menace to the opposition should the Steelers draft him.
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Steelers wide receivers DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin running down the field during a game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
While multiple names have been linked to the Steelers, either via a trade or in free agency to improve the wide receiver position, Lemon would be a great pivot for the Steelers to start off their 2026 draft class. He could be the young missing piece to the Steelers' wide receiver room that helps them truly modernize their offense and ultimately leads to a more productive and higher scoring unit in 2026.
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