"They're Going To Do That": Insider Says Steelers Have Specific Plan For Wide Receiving Corps

The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 offseason facing significant uncertainty at the wide receiver position, owning one of the thinnest groups in the NFL. After making a splash by acquiring DK Metcalf during the 2025 offseason, the organization quickly reshaped the room again by trading away George Pickens. While Metcalf appears to be the number one target, the depth behind him has yet to deliver consistent production. With free agency approaching and the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, fans hope to see the team aggressively pursue upgrades to add playmakers and restore balance to their passing attack.

Pittsburgh has been mentioned in numerous rumors already throughout the young offseason with plans and ideas of either trading for a big-name wide receiver or signing one once free agency begins. The Steelers also hold the 21st overall pick in this year's draft, and with a loaded wide receiver draft class on paper, it wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone for Pittsburgh to use that pick to bring one to the Steel City.

While making an appearance on The PM Team with Poni & Mueller on Friday on 93.7 The Fan, team insider Mark Kaboly laid out what he thinks is the team's intention for the wide receiver position this offseason. 

"I don't think it matters here in the next couple of weeks when I fully anticipate them acquiring some sort of a wide receiver that you've known or have heard of as that number two guy, either in trade, via free agency," Kaboly said. "I think they're going to do that. I think that's pretty much a slam dunk. They're going to add that wide receiver two guy, then draft a guy."

In 2025, the Steelers rolled the dice on internal development behind Metcalf after moving Pickens, hoping younger receivers would take a leap. That never really happened. Fans saw glimpses of what Calvin Austin III could do, but Roman Wilson wasn't very involved.

Veterans signed midseason brought nothing consistent enough to ease the pressure off of Metcalf or force defenses to spread their attention. Too often, opposing secondaries were able to key in on one side of the field, daring someone else to beat them. Adding a proven number two receiver would immediately change that dynamic.

Free agency could offer a quick fix. Pittsburgh has some cap flexibility and could target a veteran looking for a fresh start. A trade is also very much on the table, especially if another team decides to move on from a receiver due to contract concerns. The Steelers have shown in the past they’re willing to be aggressive if they believe the move makes sense. The organization did it with Metcalf, and there’s no reason to think they wouldn’t explore something similar again.

Then, there’s the draft. Sitting at 21st overall puts the Steelers in an interesting spot. They may not be in range for the very top receiver on the board, but in a deep class, that might not matter. Every year, quality wideouts slide into the 20s, and some even into the second round. 

If Pittsburgh signs or trades for a veteran first, it would give them the freedom to take the best player available without forcing the issue; but, if they truly love someone at 21, they could double down and come away from the offseason with two new contributors at the position.

Steelers Are Still Unsure Which Quarterback Will Lead New Receivers

In order to have game-changing wide receivers, you need a quarterback to throw them the ball, and the Steelers are still unsure of who will be doing that in 2026. At this point, it feels as if it has narrowed down to just a few names; Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Mason Rudolph, Ty Simpson or Malik Willis. However, that uncertainty could affect their ability to bring in some of the top pass-catchers available.

Wide receivers want opportunity, but they also want stability. If Pittsburgh heads into free agency with the expectation that Howard, Rudolph, or a rookie will be under center, some veterans might hesitate. It’s not necessarily a knock on those players, but proven receivers often prefer a situation where the quarterback is established and the offense feels steady. 

Signing somewhere without clarity at the most important position on the field can feel like a gamble, especially for players looking to boost their numbers and secure one more big contract down the road. On the flip side, if Rodgers returns or the Steelers show real commitment by spending money on someone like Willis, that changes the conversation. 

A recognizable name or a clear investment at quarterback makes the offense feel more legitimate. Receivers around the league pay attention to that. They want to know they’ll have a real chance to produce, win games, and stay relevant. If Pittsburgh can provide that confidence, the sales pitch becomes a lot easier and the interest level from free agents likely rises right along with it.

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