The 2026 NFL Draft, as is the case with every draft, will be very important for each team. But it could be particularly crucial for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon argued as much Wednesday morning. Gagnon included the Steelers on a list of five teams that will see the 2026 NFL Draft either “make or break” them.
“If Rodgers doesn’t return, they need to gamble on someone like Simpson and hit. If Rodgers does return, they need to get him a starting-caliber interior offensive lineman and a receiver who can make an impact on Day 1,” wrote Gagnon.
“If Rodgers doesn’t return, they fail to replace him. If he does return, they fail to hit on both a lineman and a wideout.”
Gagnon concluded by asking whether the Steelers could trade back up into the first round for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
The Steelers have the draft capital to make such a move. The team possesses five top 100 selections and then two choices in the fourth round early on Day 3.
Why the 2026 NFL Draft Could Be Crucial for Omar Khan’s Steelers
GettyBleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon argued the 2026 NFL Draft could make or break Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The 2026 NFL Draft could certainly be a turning point for the Steelers. But perhaps not for the reason Gagnon suggested.
The BR analyst had his mind completely on Aaron Rodgers and the team’s quarterback situation. Granted, that’s a major topic for the team going into the 2026 NFL Draft.
But it’s hardly the only one. It may not even be the biggest storyline locally.
In addition to five top 100 picks, the Steelers possess a league-high 12 picks in the 2026 draft. They have the opportunity to completely transform their roster. They could do it with a trade up to land a prospect they love in the first round or trade back in later rounds.
Adding capital next year is even on the table.
If the Steelers trade up in the first round, though, it very likely won’t be for a quarterback. Khan could target Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane or USC receiver Makai Lemon with such a move.
Gagnon listed both offensive line and wide receiver as key needs.
Will the Steelers Grab a QB During 2026 NFL Draft?
GettyQuarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned in NFL free agency.
Rodgers has yet to make a decision on his playing status for the 2026 NFL season. That’s surprising. The Steelers front office repeatedly suggested during the early part of the offseason Rodgers would sign a new contract or retire by the 2026 NFL Draft.
But no answer from Rodgers doesn’t mean the team will change its draft plan at quarterback. Whether the Steelers draft a signal-caller in 2026 should depend entirely on how the organization feels about that prospect — not whether Rodgers is on the roster.
Even if Rodgers returns, it will be for one season.
If the Steelers draft Simpson, it will be a surprise for those who have followed the team’s draft process. Khan and the team hosted four quarterbacks for pre-draft visits, none of which were Simpson.
The team also reportedly wanted to host a fifth signal-caller on a visit, but that was LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, not Simpson.
On April 17, team president Art Rooney II told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 anything was on the table for the team at No. 21 — except quarterback.
“I can tell you one thing, it’s probably not going to be a quarterback,” said Rooney. “But beyond that, it’s wide open. Of course, it depends on what happens in front of us.
Is it possible all of that is a smokescreen for Simpson? Yes. NFL draft season is also lying season.
But if the 2026 NFL Draft “breaks” the Steelers, it will likely be because they didn’t use their plethora of picks to fill out the rest of their roster.
Based on the 2026 draft class, the likelihood the team lands a franchise quarterback is slim.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Steelers Put on Notice Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on Heavy Sports.