D.K. Metcalf Steelers
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Pittsburgh Steelers insider Mark Kaboly predicted the team to both add a receiver in NFL free agency and early in the 2026 draft.
With D.K. Metcalf the only primary proven receiver returning on the Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 roster, the team has to make some kind of move this offseason to acquire another wideout. The Steelers have several selections on the first two days of the NFL Draft to add a rookie or the cap space available to sign a high-profiled free agent.
This past week, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly predicted the team to make both moves. Kaboly particularly emphasized how extremely likely it is the Steelers will add a veteran receiver in March.
“I fully anticipate them acquiring some sort of a wide receiver that you’ve known or have heard of as that number two guy, either in trade, via free agency,” Kaboly said to Chris Mueller on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, via Steelers Depot’s Jeremy Pike. “I think they’re going to do that.
“That’s pretty much a slam dunk. They’re going to add that wide receiver two guy, then draft a guy.”
Who Could Steelers Target at WR in 2026 NFL Free Agency?
From a statistical standpoint, Calvin Austin III served as Pittsburgh’s WR2 in 2024 and 2025. He stood out on the stat sheet in 2024 with 548 receiving yards while averaging 15.2 yards per catch.
The Steelers were hopeful former third-round pick Roman Wilson would emerge as a more dependable target in 2025. But that didn’t happen.
Wilson will return for his third season in 2026. Meanwhile, Austin is a free agent and isn’t guaranteed to return.
The Steelers could pursue a more proven, productive veteran in free agency to replace Austin. Pike called Indianapolis Colts free agent Alec Pierce the “biggest playmaker” set to be available.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell also ranked Pierce the top receiver free agent this offseason after George Pickens, who won’t actually be a free agent after the Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him.
Other potential top receivers the Steelers could pursue in free agency include Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans, Rashid Shaheed and Wan’Dale Robinson. All of them fit the “wide receiver you’ve heard of” requirement Kaboly placed on the acquisition.
It’s harder to predict which receivers the Steelers might pursue if they prefer to make a trade. Pike argued Brian Thomas Jr. and D.J. Moore could be possibilities.
Steelers Casting Wide Net Among WRs at 2026 NFL Combine
Kaboly characterized the Steelers adding a veteran receiver in March as a done deal. Yet, the team has still meet with a lot of incoming rookie wideouts at the NFL combine this week.
Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark reported the team has conducted private meetings with 15 different receivers at the combine. That strongly suggests general manager Omar Khan does plan to draft a wideout
The Steelers’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft is at No. 21 overall. They also own the No. 53 pick in the second round and three third-round choices — No. 76, 85 and 99 overall.
Khan also has seven picks on Day 3 — two in each round except round six.
Under previous general manager Kevin Colbert, the Steelers made a habit out of drafting wide receivers in the second round. In Khan’s first three drafts, though, the team has selected just one wideout — Wilson at No. 84 overall in the third round two years ago.
Kaboly sees that changing this spring no matter who the Steelers add in free agency.