The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially started preparing for the upcoming offseason after naming Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. While McCarthy and his coaching staff cannot make any roster decisions until the free agency period, beginning March 11, and the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23, they have started organizing strategies for roster building that will connect both events.
The Steelers enter free agency with the ninth-most salary cap space in the NFL, holding $44.943 million available. When the draft arrives, Pittsburgh will hold the 21st overall pick in the first round. These factors will shape the team’s personnel decisions in the coming months.
Projections Predict Steelers Target Notre Dame Running Back
Most mock drafts anticipate the Steelers focusing on an offensive player early in the draft, primarily wide receivers, reflecting a clear area of need for the club. However, NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund forecasts a different direction, projecting the Steelers to select running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame rather than pursuing receivers or quarterbacks.
Frelund emphasized Love’s versatility and impact on offense, comparing his potential to that of Bijan Robinson’s high-caliber performance level.
“Love’s potential impact in both the pass and run game is very high — like Bijan Robinson levels,”
Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Analyst
“For him to have a successful rookie season (and one that looks something like Bijan’s impressive 2025 campaign), he’ll need a strong O-line that will allow him to adjust to NFL speed and concepts. Pittsburgh had my 10th-best OL this past season.”
Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Analyst
Love is frequently projected as a top-10 to 12 pick in most mock drafts and is regarded as the premier running back in the 2026 class. His slide to the 21st pick would represent a rare opportunity for the Steelers.
In his third season at Notre Dame last year, Love posted career highs with 1,372 rushing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. His production suggests he could become a vital offensive weapon for Pittsburgh, potentially influencing the future role of current running back Kenneth Gainwell.
Uncertainty Surrounds Kenneth Gainwell’s Role Moving Forward
Kenneth Gainwell, who signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with the Steelers in 2025 after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, delivered his best campaign as a professional last season. He rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns, while also contributing significantly in the passing game with 486 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Gainwell became a dependable target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers amid the team’s shortage of dependable pass-catching options.
With his contract set to expire, Gainwell is a restricted free agent the Steelers must evaluate carefully this offseason. Spotrac estimates he could command a two-year deal valued around $5.922 million, which would still be a reasonable cost given his recent performance.
Despite this, drafting Jeremiyah Love does not necessarily exclude re-signing Gainwell. Pittsburgh might pursue both players — establishing a dynamic running back duo that could revitalize their offense immediately.
Bijan Robinson’s High Benchmark Sets Draft Expectations
If Jeremiyah Love matches the upside that Cynthia Frelund envisions, drawing parallels to Bijan Robinson’s achievements, the Steelers will find it challenging to pass on him if he remains available at pick 21. Robinson’s 2025 campaign was outstanding, as he accumulated 2,298 yards from scrimmage, setting a new franchise record for the Atlanta Falcons while leading the NFL in total yards.
Love’s potential to reach similar heights raises considerable excitement about how he might fit within Pittsburgh’s offense. With McCarthy’s system and a solid offensive line ranked tenth last season, the Steelers could create a platform for Love to transition effectively to the professional level and contribute substantially during his rookie year.
The coming months will reveal how the Steelers navigate their free agency decisions and draft priorities. Whether they opt for Love to boost their running back group or explore other offensive needs, these moves will be pivotal in shaping the Steelers’ competitiveness for the 2026 NFL season.
