The Steelers have already made their big move for Aaron Rodgers, but they may not be done building the offense around him before Week 1.
Pittsburgh brought Rodgers back for one more season, and the message is pretty clear: give the veteran quarterback enough help to make 2026 matter. The front office added Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, and putting him next to DK Metcalf gives the Steelers a pair of imposing outside targets.
That’s a strong start. It’s not a finished product.
Behind those two, the depth chart gets thin fast. That’s why the free-agent market still makes sense for Pittsburgh, especially if the goal is to keep Rodgers supported with as much proven talent as possible.
One name that has surfaced is Deebo Samuel. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently laid out the best landing spots for the top remaining free agents, and he pointed to the Steelers as the cleanest fit for the veteran receiver.
Knox noted Samuel’s production with the Washington Commanders last season, writing:
“Samuel logged 802 scrimmage yards while averaging nine yards per touch this past season with the Washington Commanders. He did it while playing much of the season without standout quarterback Jayden Daniels in a Commanders offense that ranked just 24th in passing and 22nd overall.
Though he's never been a true No. 1 receiver, Samuel has been consistently productive when healthy. Even at 30, he can still be a quality contributor as a receiver and change-of-pace backfield option.
Samuel would make the most sense for a potential playoff contender that needs receiver depth and is looking to lead with its ground game.”
That assessment fits the player Samuel still is. He may not be operating at peak Pro Bowl level anymore, but he remains a useful weapon.
In 2025, Samuel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Outside of an injury-shortened 2020 season, he has cleared 600 receiving yards in every year of his career.
His biggest season came in 2021, when he piled up 1,770 total scrimmage yards and made the Pro Bowl.
For Pittsburgh, the appeal is obvious. Pittman and Metcalf are both bigger, boundary-style receivers.
Samuel would bring something different, working in the slot and finding space over the middle. Right now, the Steelers’ slot option is rookie Germie Bernard, so adding Samuel would give them a far more established answer.
And from Samuel’s side, the fit makes sense too. He’d have another shot to play for a contender, and he’d be part of Rodgers’ final NFL season.
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