The Pittsburgh Steelers must learn from one of their mistakes in 2026.
That mistake was not making an adequate addition at wide receiver, something the team has failed to do two years in a row.
Sure, the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf, but they also unloaded George Pickens in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys, which put Pittsburgh in the same boat it was in 2024, when the team didn't have a sufficient running mate for Pickens.
The result was Pittsburgh having Metcalf and a bunch of receivers who couldn't get open, which greatly hindered quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut believes the Steelers will learn from their mistake by signing Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel in free agency.
Here's Johnson's thoughts on this possible signing:
Regardless of who the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback is in 2026, it is evident this team needs more offensive weapons besides D.K. Metcalf. Deebo Samuel just demonstrated in Washington that he has plenty left in the tank. He racked up 466 yards after the catch in the regular season, fifth-most in the NFL, and was a consistent red-zone threat with a 25 percent target share in that area. He also brings a physicality that matches the Steelers’ style of football. Plus, the 30-year-old would likely be willing to take a one-year deal.
With the departure of Mike Tomlin, there is now a chance the Steelers will opt to hit the reset button, especially with the team having a whopping 12 picks in this year's draft.
If that happens (we're very skeptical the Steelers will go this route), the signing of a veteran player like Samuel becomes less likely.
Samuel, who is projected by Spotrac to receive a three-year, $59 million deal in free agency, caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
Making those numbers more impressive is the fact that Samuel didn't catch passes from Jayden Daniels for most of the year, as the Commanders quarterback only appeared in seven games.
Despite the belief he was declining, Samuel showed he's got plenty of gas left in the tank, but he's also going to be 30 next season, so if the Steelers do sign him, they should make sure his contract includes an out after the first year or two.
That said, Samuel would be a big upgrade for a Steelers wide receivers room that goes into the offseason with only Metcalf, Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek under contract.
Samuel would give Pittsburgh someone who can help take pressure off Metcalf while also giving the offense a yards-after-catch menace in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.
We'd no doubt like to see the Steelers get younger, so at the very least they should look to the draft to add more help, but if it's between Samuel and nothing in free agency, we're fine with Pittsburgh landing the veteran wideout.
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