The Pittsburgh Steelers did a great job with the receiving corps once the 2026 legal tampering period began. There was only one move made, but it was a significant one. Michael Pittman Jr. was acquired, and then extended, in what should result in the team finally having a legitimate one-two punch at the position for the first time in a while. DK Metcalf will officially have a running mate, and it should make for a much more exciting offensive unit. The team, however, still needs to round out the depth chart, which means potentially finding a go-to slot pass-catcher.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf sets up at the line of scrimmage while the team gets a workout in during 2025 training camp as fans watch the annual Friday Night Lights practice in Latrobe, PA.
There were times in 2025 when Metcalf truly did flash incredible potential; however, he was not open nearly as much as he should have been due to the lack of consistent talent around him. The front office had a clear goal in mind of changing that, and the dynamic duo should be around for years to come thanks to Pittman's fresh three-year deal.
Now, the Steelers are expected to use at least one of their 12 overall selections in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster the receiving corps. This hasn't stopped rumors from flying around about Pittsburgh's possible interest in signing an available free agent. One playmaker that has been connected to the Steel City is Deebo Samuel, a veteran who still has some left in the tank.
During his weekly chat about the franchise, veteran reporter and insider Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed plenty of concerns and questions from readers. Someone noted that Samuel would be a perfect player to put in the slot for Pittsburgh in 2026, and while the beat writer agreed to a degree, he shut down the notion of the Steelers extending an offer.
"Maybe. But that's not happening," Dulac wrote.
Samuel is 30 years old and his career is winding down, but that doesn't mean he couldn't make an impact for Pittsburgh, or whichever team decides that he is worth signing. On the surface, it wouldn't hurt to bring in another veteran who has been there and done that, but it appears as if the Steelers' decision-makers have no interest in bringing the former All-Pro in.
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Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. warms up on the playing surface before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be loaded with wide receiver talent. The Steelers might not even just settle for one potential playmaker. If the organization can get two pass-catchers to pair with Metcalf and Pittman, the room would be set for years to come. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the offense would be set up to have some serious continuity in the receiving corps.
It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh approaches having so much draft capital. While taking two wide receivers is certainly on the table, using all 12 picks is very unlikely, per Dulac.
"All I know is they don't need 12 draft picks, so they will be packaging and trading," Dulac noted.
The idea of Samuel coming to play for the Steelers is attractive because he still has spark left when on the field. However, loading up the locker room with so many experienced guys who will want the ball could come with consequences. The insider never detailed why Samuel isn't an option, but it's safe to say that fans can settle down their thought process when imagining it.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) alongside former Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Loading Up On Offensive Weapons Can Only Mean 1 Thing
Every front office should always be looking to make its team better. That's what Pittsburgh has done in 2026, and will continue to do. The aggressive trade to acquire Pittman gives the offense another legitimate threat, which should be sending a strong message to Aaron Rodgers that the team is ready to win with him once again in 2026. Every acquisition seems to have had the veteran quarterback's best interest, even if the organization won't say it.
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