In looking at the free agents the Pittsburgh Steelers will need to address in just a few weeks, there are really five guys who we have at the top of our list. Not necessarily as guys the Steelers must re-sign. Quite the contrary. We are looking at potential replacements for these guys and looking for prospects via the 2026 NFL draft who can come in and contribute right away.

One caveat to this is quarterback Aaron Rodgers. We listed Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as his replacement but we firmly believe Rodgers will return in 2026 and picking Simpson is a move for 2027 and beyond.

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S Kyle Dugger —- S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

We’ve been consistent in saying the gap between Dillon Thieneman and Caleb Downs is very small. He showed that at the NFL Scouting Combine and cemented his status as a Top 15 pick. With Dugger and Chuck Clark both hitting free agency, this would be a tremendous pick.

QB Aaron Rodgers — QB Ty Simpson, Simpson

Out big disclaimer to this is we don’t see Simpson as Top 20 pick at this point. So if the Steelers did want to take a shot on him as competition with Will Howard, a trade back in the first round could land them Simpson as well as some 2027 draft picks.

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G Isaac Seumalo — G Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Dunker is a lunch pail, blue-collar football player, and fits perfectly with what the Steelers have built on their interior offensive line. Dunker, paired up with Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, would form a trio of bruisers in the middle of an offense that’s going to want to run the football.

RB Kenneth Gainwell — RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

Johnson’s game mirrors that of Steelers running back Jaylen Warren in a lot of ways. It’s hard to imagine the Steelers will re-sign Kenneth Gainwell so bringing in Johnson on the third day of the draft gives them a really safe option while they evaluate Kaleb Johnson’s future.

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WR Calvin Austin III — WR Antonio Williams, Clemson

Wide receiver is the biggest question mark the Steelers have right now aside from quarterback. We expect the Steelers to not only sign a top-tier veteran to start opposite DK Metcalf but also draft a slot receiver to replace Calvin Austin III and as insurance in case Roman Wilson doesn’t improve. Williams is the prototypical NFL slot receiver. He’s lightning quick off the snap, runs crisp routes and takes advantage of mismatches.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 5 best replacements for the Steelers 5 biggest free agents