The Pittsburgh Steelers have been chasing answers at wide receiver for a couple of seasons now. Even after rolling the dice on George Pickens in 2024 and swinging a big trade for DK Metcalf in 2025, the position still feels like a work in progress. And with Metcalf now the lone proven threat in the room, Pittsburgh’s front office knows it can’t afford to miss again - especially if Mike McCarthy wants to unlock the full potential of his offense.
McCarthy’s system thrives when there’s a reliable pass-catcher operating out of the slot, someone who can manipulate coverage and create mismatches in the middle of the field. That’s what he had with CeeDee Lamb in Dallas - a dynamic receiver who could win inside and out. But this year’s free agent market doesn’t offer much in the way of slot weapons who fit that mold, and the draft class, while solid, doesn’t have a ton of sure-thing wideouts outside the top 15 picks.
So what’s the move if the Steelers can’t trade up for a top-tier receiver like Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon?
Well, the answer might not be a wide receiver at all.
Enter Kenyon Sadiq - Oregon’s versatile tight end who’s starting to generate first-round buzz. On the surface, it might seem like a head-scratcher.
After all, the Steelers already have Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith under contract. But dig a little deeper, and the fit starts to make a lot more sense.
Let’s start with the coaching staff. McCarthy has a long history of leaning on tight ends in his offense.
In Green Bay and Dallas, he helped develop and feature players like Dalton Schultz, Blake Jarwin, and Jake Ferguson - guys who weren’t just safety valves, but focal points in the passing game. And new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio?
He’s been coaching tight ends for over a decade, most recently as the Vikings’ passing game coordinator and TE coach. These are two coaches who know how to get the most out of the position - and clearly value it.
Now, take a look at the current tight end room. Jonnu Smith is a likely cap casualty.
Darnell Washington, while a physical specimen, doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a modern receiving-first tight end - especially in McCarthy’s shotgun-heavy, 11-personnel scheme. That leaves Freiermuth, who’s been solid but hasn’t quite broken out as a game-changer.
If Pittsburgh is looking to retool its offense around a more dynamic, matchup-driven passing game, Sadiq could be the spark.
Sadiq is currently ranked 17th on the NFL consensus draft board, and if he’s still there when the Steelers pick at 21, he could be one of the best values on the board. At 6'3", 245 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size, speed, and route-running ability.
He’s a fluid mover who can separate at the top of his routes and create problems for linebackers and safeties alike. According to Draft Scout, he’s projected to run a 4.52 in the 40 - nearly identical to CeeDee Lamb’s 4.50 time at the 2020 Combine.
That’s wide receiver speed in a tight end’s body.
And that’s exactly how McCarthy could use him - not just as an in-line blocker or traditional tight end, but as a “big slot” who moves around the formation and forces defenses to adjust. That kind of versatility is gold in today’s NFL, where creating mismatches is the name of the game.
Of course, adding Sadiq would likely mean moving on from either Freiermuth or Washington - a tough call, but one that might be necessary if the Steelers want to maximize their offensive ceiling. And with Omar Khan now pulling the strings in the front office, we’ve already seen a willingness to make bold, calculated moves to reshape the roster.
If you’re looking for a recent comparison, think about what Trey McBride has done in Arizona. The 6'3", 246-pound tight end has become a legitimate weapon, putting up back-to-back seasons with over 110 catches and 1,100 yards.
He moves like a receiver, punishes defenders after the catch, and has become a go-to target in the Cardinals' offense. Sadiq has a similar physical profile - and potentially, a similar impact.
Yes, the Steelers have needs elsewhere. Wide receiver is still a priority.
Cornerback and quarterback could both be in play depending on how the board falls. But if Pittsburgh stays at 21 and Kenyon Sadiq is still available, the idea of grabbing a high-upside, do-it-all tight end who fits perfectly in McCarthy’s offense becomes a lot harder to ignore.
In a league where versatility and matchup nightmares are king, Sadiq might just be the kind of player who can help elevate this offense from good to dangerous.