The Pittsburgh Steelers will have a new identity when the 2026 season begins. In an ideal world, Aaron Rodgers would again lead the charge on offense for Mike McCarthy. Defensively, obviously, Cam Heyward and TJ Watt lead the charge.
Still, the Steelers can only rely on Rodgers for so long. The four-time NFL MVP is in his prime and will need playmakers to help the Steelers' offense reach its true potential.
Trading for Michael Pittman would certainly help, but is it enough? Pittsburgh may not feel like their work is done at the receiver position, and we'd be willing to bet Rodgers would agree.
Recently, NFL insider Tony Pauline of Essential Sports reported that Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is "in play" for the Steelers with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pauline says most analysts have Cooper as the WR4 in this draft class.
Pauline wrote, "Cooper is building momentum among scouts and receivers coaches." "He's athletic and a great pass catcher with a developing game, and people rave about his character. Cooper has talked with every team from picks 18 to 36. I'm told Cooper is in play for the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick No. 21 despite being traded for Michael Pittman."
Of course, each individual team structures their draft board differently and has different prospects than others. We all know the Steelers see Cooper as someone who can be better than the fourth-best receiver prospect.
No matter what, the Steelers could definitely use another playmaker in their offense to help draw attention away from DK Metcalf, Pittman and Pat Freiermuth.
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