Steelers could sign Pro Bowl weapon for Aaron Rodgers ahead of Week 1 image
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) audibles during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a huge 2026 season. The team brought Aaron Rodgers back for one more season, and it's clear the goal is to send the future Hall of Famer out on a positive note.
If the Steelers want to truly contend again in 2026, they need to surround Rodgers with as much talent as possible. The team did bring in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, and pairing him with DK Metcalf is certainly interesting.
However, behind that top duo, there's not a whole lot of proven talent. As a result, the Steelers could look to the free agent market for one more addition before Week 1.
Steelers should sign Deebo Samuel
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified the best landing spots for the top remaining free agents. For veteran receiver Deebo Samuel, Knox thinks the Steelers make the most sense.
Regarding Samuel, Knox offered the following:
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.
As Knox mentioned, Samuel had an impressive 2025 season despite his starting quarterback missing several games. The veteran may not quite be playing at a Pro Bowl level anymore, but he's still a very solid option.
Samiel caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Other than an injury-shortened 2020, Samuel has had at least 600 receiving yards in every season. The South Carolina product's best season came in 2021, when he racked up 1,770 total yards from scrimmage and earned a Pro Bowl bid.
In Pittsburgh, Samuel would be a nice addition to the room. Pittman and Metcalf are both big, outside receivers, while Samuel can play in the slot and get open across the middle. Currently, the Steelers' slot receiver is rookie Germie Bernard, so the team may be more comfortable counting on Samuel initially.
For Samuel's part, he should be interested in the Steelers as well. It would be another chance for the veteran to play for a contender, and he'd get to be a part of Rodgers' final NFL season.
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