The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be a very different team in 2026, and that has been evident based off of the moves that have been made throughout the offseason. For one thing, nearly the entire coaching staff has been turned over. Pittsburgh has also brought in several new players that are expected to start and contribute heavily. This includes cornerback Jamel Dean, running back Rico Dowdle, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Pittman is potentially the most exciting addition, but that doesn't mean the Steelers will be done adding at the position.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Michael Pittman Jr. during his introductory press conference in the 2026 offseason.
Pittsburgh added DK Metcalf during the 2025 offseason, and the wide receiver clearly needed some help during the season. The Pittman addition made sense and should help the passing game, but the wide receiver position is going to need to be aided by the 2026 NFL Draft as well. Wideout is seen as one of the Steelers' bigger needs, and it is certainly a consideration with the 21st overall pick in the event. Names like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston should be watched.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly hosted a Q&A on X on Thursday where he answered fans' most pressing questions about the upcoming draft and the rest of the offseason. He delivered some uninspiring news about a potential rookie wide receiver making any sort of contribution on offense in 2026.
"It’s not very often that a rookie receiver – not named Puka Nacua, Randy Moss, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Anquan Boldin – was a key contributor right out of the gate," Kaboly wrote. "I am not saying it can’t happen, but when you have DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. and presumably a quarterback that demands perfection with their route running, it would be, in my mind, extremely difficult to see a rookie receiver contributing immediately."
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Steelers' Mike McCarthy during his introductory press conference at the start of the 2026 season.
This statement from Kaboly would be unanimously agreed upon if Mike Tomlin were still the head coach. He did not like rushing rookies onto the field, and he made them truly earn their reps. Mike McCarthy is not the same way. Sure, a rookie will still have to prove they belong, but McCarthy is going to try to develop them and ingratiate them into the offense sooner rather than later.
The last time McCarthy coached a prominent rookie wide receiver, it was Ceedee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys. This came during the 2020 season, and Lamb was targeted 111 times and caught 74 passes. He wasn't the third wide receiver in the offense, but it does show that McCarthy doesn't shy away from getting younger guys involved.
Steelers Are Solely To Blame For Any Wide Receiver Development Issues Past 2026
It sounds like Aaron Rodgers is going to be coming back for the 2026 season, although nothing is official yet. He is a terrible quarterback to have in the building while trying to inject some youth and talent into the wide receiver position through the Draft, however. He requires perfection, and he has very little room to grow with a young wide receiver at this stage of his career. It would be Pittsburgh's fault if any wide receiver selection made by the organization is a considered a "bust" this year.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson flexes his muscles after a big time play on Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.
Rodgers had issues gelling with Roman Wilson in 2025. If an organization wants to move forward, it needs to stick by the young play makers on the offensive side of the ball and help them develop.
What do you think about Kaboly's thoughts on a rookie wide receiver? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation