Steelers' Aggressive 2026 Offseason May Have Zero Effect On The NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very active to begin the 2026 offseason. Once the legal tampering period began, General Manager Omar Khan made a few key moves to address their biggest needs. They executed a low-risk, high-reward trade to bring in Michael Pittman Jr., while loading up at cornerback with free agent Jamel Dean. They also brought back one of their own in cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Some other depth moves have been made since then as well, and many more transactions are expected to happen in the coming days, including another trade.

Wide receiver and cornerback were arguably the biggest needs for the Steelers entering 2026, besides quarterback of course. Both positions were addressed immediately, and the Steelers may be done with cornerback after these recent moves. In terms of depth, there are still quite a few holes across the roster, and these big moves may have opened up the opportunity to address that depth early on in the draft, especially in the trenches.

In his weekly Q&A chat, insider Gerry Dulac was asked about that exact scenario. He gave his typical short answer that tells you everything he thinks about that idea.

"Nope," Dulac said.

Despite potential needs on the offensive and defensive line, the Steelers seem to be taking a break from focusing on the trenches like they have been since Khan was hired. Each of his three first-round picks have been used in that area, and he put more significant draft capital there during that same time frame. It has become a staple of him and Andy Weidl's tenure in Pittsburgh. 

With the departure of Isaac Seumalo, there were questions on if the Steelers would stick to an internal option, or make a move to directly replace him. As of now, it seems like Spencer Anderson will get the promotion to starter. Maybe a guard will be drafted in the middle rounds to provide depth and eventually move up into that role, but the top picks will likely not be used there, and especially not the first-rounder.

The defensive line definitely needs more depth, and the Steelers have to start planning for life without Cameron Heyward, despite his new one-year extension. However, the fact that he will likely be back for another season does buy Pittsburgh some time to find his eventual heir. It is much more likely to draft a defensive tackle on Day 2 of the draft than it is with guard or any other offensive line position anyways.

Steelers' Plans For The First Round Of The 2026 NFL Draft

Despite trading for Pittman, the Steelers are still expected to be heavily involved in the wide receiver market due to the severe lack of depth. With a new system that favors that position, they will most likely draft another wideout at that spot: primarily one that has positional flexibility and can play either outside or in the slot to help fit the incoming 11 personnel scheme, as opposed to the previous multi-tight-end sets. 

In fact, with all the draft picks that the Steelers have, odds are very high that they will double-dip at that position. If they draft a wide receiver in Round 1 like everyone expects, they may end up selecting another one as early as Round 3. There is no such thing as too many options, especially when a team is trying to help a young quarterback like Will Howard learn and develop.

Speaking of quarterback, many reports are saying that they will not attack that position in the first round. With the trenches off the table, cornerback being addressed, and quarterback not likely being an option, there would have to be a legendary fall for an elite option for the Steelers to not go receiver. In fact, they may use their insane capital to move up for an elite wideout.

What do you think about the Steelers' first-round draft plans? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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