Steelers Face Defining Offseason at Wide Receiver: Draft or Trade Their Way Out?
With the 2026 NFL Draft set to take place in Pittsburgh, the spotlight is firmly on the Steelers - and not just because they’re hosting. This offseason marks a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels when it comes to building a reliable wide receiver corps. The need for change isn’t just apparent - it’s urgent.
Let’s rewind a bit. It started with the trade of Diontae Johnson, which left George Pickens as the lone alpha in a receiver room that lacked depth.
Then came the next big swing - trading away Pickens and bringing in DK Metcalf. On paper, it looked like a bold move to give the offense a true No. 1 target.
But in practice, the story remained the same: one standout receiver surrounded by a supporting cast that hasn’t been able to step up.
Whether this roster construction was a product of Arthur Smith’s vision or simply a series of reactive decisions, the bottom line hasn’t changed. The Steelers haven’t had a balanced, functional wide receiver room in years. And now, with Mike McCarthy taking over, that has to change.
The Quarterback Cloud Still Looms
Of course, wide receiver talent doesn’t exist in a vacuum - and Pittsburgh’s long-standing uncertainty at quarterback continues to cast a shadow over the offense. It’s hard to lure top-tier receiving talent when there’s no clear answer under center. That lack of stability has made free agency a tough sell, and it’s one of the reasons the Steelers have leaned so heavily on trades to fill the void.
But trades can only take you so far. At some point, you have to build from within.
A Draft Opportunity the Steelers Can’t Afford to Miss
Here’s where things get interesting. The Steelers haven’t taken a wide receiver in the first round since 2006 - that was Santonio Holmes, for those keeping score.
And for years, they didn’t need to. Pittsburgh built a reputation for unearthing gems on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft, turning mid-round picks into productive starters.
But that pipeline has dried up lately. Since Omar Khan stepped in as general manager in 2023, the team has drafted just one receiver - Roman Wilson in the third round - and he’s struggled to make an impact. What used to be a strength has quietly become a blind spot.
This draft feels like a chance to reset that narrative.
The Steelers hold five picks in the top 100 and twelve total - plenty of ammunition to get aggressive. And with a receiver class that’s deep and top-heavy, there’s no shortage of first-round-caliber talent to choose from. If there was ever a time to break the 20-year drought and take a wideout early, this is it.
The Trade Market Tempts Again
Still, don’t rule out another swing in the trade market. One name that’s surfaced in league circles is A.J.
Brown. After helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl, reports of internal friction have opened the door to a potential move.
And with Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl having strong ties to Philadelphia, the connection makes sense. Pittsburgh has already shown a willingness to target players Weidl helped bring into the league.
Financially, it’s a big ask. Pairing Metcalf and Brown would mean paying two receivers near the top of the market - not an easy feat.
But with no quarterback currently eating up a massive chunk of the salary cap, it’s at least feasible. And for a team that desperately needs to give its next quarterback a real supporting cast, it might be worth the price.
No More Half Measures
Regardless of which path they take - veteran trade or rookie investment - the Steelers can’t afford to go halfway. If they trade for another top-tier receiver, they still need to draft one. If they draft one early, they still need to add another body via free agency, a trade, or even a second draft pick.
This isn’t about chasing stars - it’s about building a room with depth, versatility, and long-term potential. For too long, the Steelers have tried to patch holes at wide receiver instead of laying a foundation. That approach has left them with a revolving door of talent and no real continuity.
Now, with a deep draft class, a new coaching staff, and a front office that has the draft capital and cap space to make bold moves, Pittsburgh has a real shot to fix it. The only question is whether they’ll finally commit to doing it the right way - and stick with it.
The 2026 NFL Draft is more than just a marquee event for the city. For the Steelers, it’s a chance to reshape the offense and finally bring some balance to a position group that’s been out of sync for far too long.