Steelers 2026 NFL Free Agency Predictions: Quarterback clarity, a big move at wide receiver, and a familiar face returns
3 bold predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of 2026 NFL free agency.
2026 NFL free agency is officially here. In a matter of hours, the Pittsburgh Steelers will take their first steps towards assembling what they hope will be a Super Bowl-winning roster. Armed with nearly $50 million in cap space following the release of Jonnu Smith, the Steelers have plenty of holes to fill and even more questions to answer.
So in today’s free agency preview, we are going to tackle three big topics when it comes to the Steelers. Quarterback, wide receiver, and secondary help. Here is three bold, yet realistic predictions for the Steelers 2026 NFL free agency plans.
Steelers 2026 NFL Free Agency Predictions
Prediction No. 1: Steelers receive clarity at quarterback this week
Last week, Aaron Rodgers appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, where he used a lot of words to say very little. He went on about how he’s not at the point where he’s ready to make a decision, but he also raved over the coaching staff in Pittsburgh, many of whom, including new head coach Mike McCarthy, were with him as members of the Green Bay Packers.
The most interesting part is that Rodgers said he is still waiting to see a contract from the Steelers and that he’s interested to see what that looks like. I believe that contract could be thrown in front of him as soon as this week, at which point, the Steelers will decide whether they march forward with Rodgers, or roll with Will Howard, or explore what else is on the market. I’m predicting we receive clarity in which direction they go by the end of the week.
Prediction No. 2: Steelers make a splash at WR
Now, your definition of splash may be different than my own, but I’m predicting that for the second year in a row, the Steelers make a notable move at wide receiver. Two names that I am watching: Mike Evans and Jaylen Waddle.
Evans is a free agent and probably has a place in Canton one day. He turns 33 before the 2026 season and only played in eight games last year, but he recorded 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons before 2025, and he showed that vertical element when he returned last season. He’s estimated to make $13.5 million on the open market and I believe he fits the Steelers mold.
The bigger swing, and more expensive one, is Waddle. The Dolphins might feel the need to hold on to one of their best players, but we know they were fielding calls for him back at the trade deadline and that team needs draft capital in the worst way as they are over the cap and amid a rebuild.
I would not be opposed to sending a 2026 second-round pick to Miami for Waddle, whose contract is very affordable at an average annual value of $28 million. At only 28 years old, he and DK Metcalf could be the duo of the future, and the Steelers have the third and fourth round capital to move back into the second round if they wanted.
Prediction No. 3: Minkah Fitzpatrick returns
Update: Fitzpatrick was traded three hours after this went live.
Not to make this Miami north, but the Dolphins have been actively trying to trade Fitzpatrick, and to this point, they have been unable to. That means he could be headed for a release and a potential reunion.
Safety is quietly a major need for the Steelers. Even if Jalen Ramsey is back, he’s the only one under contract who you can have confidence in going into Week 1. DeShon Elliott is returning from a season-ending knee injury and is on an expiring contract. Jabrill Peppers, Kyle Dugger, and Chuck Clark are all free agents, and Fitzpatrick left on good terms. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two sides are back together by the end of the week.
For all of the free agent moves in Pittsburgh this week, please be sure to bookmark A to Z Sports Steelers, and give me a follow on X at NFL_Rob, and or on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram at Atozsportssteelers.
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