Building on the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent free agency moves—as detailed in our coverage—the team is prioritizing a guard, safety or wide receiver with their No. 21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, per insiders. Reporter Ray Fittipaldo advocates a best-player-available strategy at these spots, with potential interest in a quarterback or tight end later.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo provided an updated first-round outlook following free agency, telling 93.7 The Fan’s The Pomp and Joe Show: “I think right now, if you kind of look at what they’ve done in free agency, I’m gonna say it’s either a guard, a safety, or a receiver in the first round. I wouldn’t be surprised right now if it’s any of those positions.” At No. 21, the Steelers plan to take the best available talent from these groups.
Guard needs intensified with Isaac Seumalo's departure and no direct replacement, amid a deleted report on signing Hoffman. Safety remains a concern despite Jaquan Brisker's one-year deal, as Jalen Ramsey nears 32 and carries a high price tag in his current role. Wide receiver depth is sought for Mike McCarthy’s system, even after additions like DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
Additional needs include a third tight end by Day 2, per Gerry Dulac on the Post-Gazette YouTube channel: “It’s not gonna be in the first round, but they want to bring in another tight end... Maybe by Day 2.” Pat Freiermuth assumes a bigger role post-Jonnu Smith release, joined by Darnell Washington; Connor Heyward departed.
Quarterback buzz comes from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, who reports interest in Alabama’s Ty Simpson to pair with Aaron Rodgers short-term: “All that Will Howard stuff is just smoke. I think they’d like to get Ty Simpson and Aaron Rodgers.” The Steelers met Simpson at the Combine. With 12 picks, including five early, Pittsburgh has options.
