As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 offseason, they’re staring down a now-familiar challenge: questions at quarterback and a glaring need for help at wide receiver.
Let’s start under center. While there’s still a possibility Aaron Rodgers returns, that’s far from a lock.
If he doesn’t suit up in black and gold again, Pittsburgh’s quarterback room would be down to Will Howard and Mason Rudolph - a duo that doesn’t exactly scream long-term stability. Neither has shown enough to be considered a franchise solution, and the Steelers know it.
But here’s the twist: despite the uncertainty at quarterback, don’t expect the Steelers to go all-in on a signal-caller in the first round of the draft. This year’s quarterback class just doesn’t have the depth or top-end talent to justify reaching at No. 21 overall. Pittsburgh may still take a swing later in the draft, but early on, the focus is likely to shift elsewhere - and that brings us to the wide receiver position.
Simply put, the Steelers need more firepower on the outside. DK Metcalf led the receiving corps in 2025, but the group around him struggled to create separation, make plays, or consistently threaten defenses.
And even Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, didn’t quite live up to expectations last season. It was a step back for a unit that was already underwhelming in 2024 - and now, it’s a full-blown priority.
That’s why Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft of the offseason is raising eyebrows - in a good way - among Steelers fans. Jeremiah has Pittsburgh selecting Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston at No. 21 overall. And if that’s the direction the Steelers go, it would be a much-needed statement about revamping their offensive identity.
Boston checks a lot of boxes for what Pittsburgh needs. At 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, he brings size and physicality to the outside. He’s a strong route-runner with the kind of frame that makes him a tough matchup in contested catch situations - think red zone targets, third-down chains, and those 50-50 balls that turn into big moments.
He’s not a burner, though. Boston’s lack of top-end speed has raised some concerns about his ability to consistently separate from NFL corners.
His route-running is solid, but not elite - more polished than explosive. That means he may not be the vertical threat some fans are hoping for, especially in an offense that could benefit from stretching the field.
Still, let’s not overlook what Boston does bring: reliability, toughness, and the ability to win in traffic. That’s something Pittsburgh has sorely lacked outside of Metcalf. Adding Boston wouldn’t just give the Steelers another big target - it would give them a legitimate No. 2 option who can take pressure off Metcalf and keep defenses honest.
After two straight offseasons of misfires at the receiver position, this would be a step in the right direction. It’s not a flashy move, but it’s a meaningful one. And for a team that’s been stuck in offensive limbo, meaningful is exactly what the Steelers need.