With the NFL Combine underway, there’s a lot of focus on the 2026 NFL Draft. But free agency is right around the corner, set to begin in less than two weeks. By now, teams have a good idea of what they’ll be looking for when free agency hits, and post-Combine, they have a better sense of what the draft class may look like. Coming off a playoff appearance, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a number of needs to address, but some of those could be better suited for the draft, while there are some areas they can attack in free agency. Meanwhile, some positions could benefit from double-dipping in both the draft and free agency.
What I think the team should do and what the team will do are probably different, but here I’ll dissect how I would address the Steelers’ biggest needs and what should be done in free agency and/or the draft.
Quarterback
There isn’t a quarterback in this draft besides Fernando Mendoza who projects as a Day 1 starter. Drafting a quarterback with the team’s first-round pick this year would be a mistake, and it’s readily apparent that the Steelers want to bring Aaron Rodgers back. I’m ok with the idea of Rodgers returning to mentor Will Howard, and I would also take a mid-round quarterback to compete and try to develop. There’s a lot of love for Howard inside the building, but it doesn’t hurt to take another dart throw at a quarterback for a team that currently has 12 picks.
With Rodgers a pending free agent, I’d prioritize bringing him back as a mentor to the two younger quarterbacks and ensure they have a starter for next year.
Draft/FA?: BOTH, prioritize in FA
Wide Receiver
The Steelers got almost no production behind DK Metcalf at receiver last year. It’s a room that needs a revamp. It’s another area where I’d double dip, especially with Calvin Austin III hitting the market. While Alec Pierce would be a nice addition, I’m skeptical he’s even going to reach the market, and if he does, he might be a little too rich for his level of production. I’d target someone like Rashid Shaheed or Jalen Nailor, who has proven production and can fill in a No. 3 receiver role. Then, I’d take a first-round receiver for the first time since 2006 to give the Steelers someone to develop alongside Metcalf to form a potential dynamic duo.
Draft/FA?: BOTH, prioritize in draft
Left Guard
Isaac Seumalo is going to hit the market, leaving the Steelers down a starting offensive lineman. Seumalo’s been productive, but he’s getting older, and he’s been banged up the last two seasons. There are some options in free agency, but there’s no need to pay starting guard money this year. The Steelers should feel comfortable enough with Spencer Anderson and attack the position on Day 2 of the draft, ideally with one of their third-round selections to give them a long-term solution and someone who could compete with Anderson for the starting job.
Draft/FA?: DRAFT
Defensive Line
The Steelers need to get younger and add productive depth on their defensive line. I’d start by bringing back Esezi Otomewo and then sign another depth defensive lineman. Then draft someone on Day 2 to potentially pair long-term with Derrick Harmon. With how important defensive line play is in Pittsburgh, the more the merrier here.
Draft/FA? BOTH, prioritize in draft
Cornerback
Here’s an area where I think my opinion and the team’s probably aren’t aligned. The Steelers met with most of the top cornerbacks in the draft at the Combine, but it’s a very top-heavy cornerback class. There are other needs for the team to address early. I’d start by bringing back James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr., and then I wouldn’t be opposed to taking a swing at someone like Alontae Taylor to play the slot. Brandin Echols was good last season, but I have questions about whether he can hold up in the slot over a full season, and I wouldn’t hate having him as additional depth on the outside, either.
I understand the allure of drafting a cornerback early, and I’m not opposed to it. But I’d prefer to spend draft resources elsewhere this year and spend a little more on cornerback.
Draft/FA?: FREE AGENCY
Safety
This is such a talented safety class, and the Steelers can find themselves a long-term starter at the position on Day 2. DeShon Elliott has been awesome, but he’s coming off an injury, while Jalen Ramsey isn’t getting any younger. Pittsburgh’s veteran depth at the position underwhelmed last season. I’d love to add a safety early and find someone who can be a big piece of the defense for years to come.
Draft/FA?: DRAFT