While the Steelers have a talented young pass catcher at the top of their WR depth chart in the form of George Pickens, the team would surely like to add an established wideout to play opposite Pickens outside the numbers. Offseason acquisition Van Jefferson is presently the favorite to fill that role, though the fact that he was signed via the veteran salary benefit supports the notion that he was originally viewed as a depth piece (as our Sam Robinson wrote at the time of the signing).
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic said last month that it would demonstrate “a lack of awareness and urgency if [the Steelers] don’t add a legit No. 2 [wide receiver] before the season starts.” Since Kaboly penned that opinion, however, Pittsburgh has not made any additions to its cadre of receivers, and it does not sound as if a trade is in the offing.
Just a couple of days ago, GM Omar Khan said that there’s “nothing ongoing right now,” with respect to a wide receiver trade, as ESPN’s Brooke Pryor relays. The Steelers were reportedly interested in the 49ers’ Deebo Samuel this offseason, and with Samuel’s teammate Brandon Aiyuk having formally requested a trade and staging a hold-in, plenty of speculation has swirled around a potential Aiyuk fit in Pittsburgh as well (indeed, Aiyuk himself suggested that the Steelers are one of three teams he could envision himself playing for in 2024).
At this point in the calendar, a trade is the only sure way to land a legitimate starting talent at most positions. The free agent market for receivers is topped by Hunter Renfrow (who is more of a slot option) and Michael Thomas (who has not turned in a healthy, productive season since 2019). Obviously, a trade can come together at any time, so the fact that Khan is not in active discussions with other clubs right now does not mean that Pittsburgh will enter the season without a more intriguing option to line up across from Pickens.
Until that happens, Jefferson will continue trying to fend off the likes of Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller, and Marquez Callaway. Third-round rookie Roman Wilson and 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin III are the top competitors for reps in the slot.
Sincere question. When was the last time the Steelers traded for a known player? I’m guessing M Fitzpatrick from Miami a few years back. Am I missing a big trade from them?
Why not take a flier on Michael Thomas? Wonder if he is even pushing for a contract. Injured yes but dude was never in a hurry to get on the field. Maybe he’s gonna retire. No news at all on him this offseason
Renfrow is also still a FA.
They wanna give Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin the chance in the slot which is the only place Renfrow is worth a damn unfortunately. I agree with Pogo. Unless MT wants a huge sum of money he’s the only thing worth a flier on at the position now. A trade would be too costly from a draft capital and financial standpoint and without a clear QB picture beyond game 1 idk if that’s worth it. Gonna be a weird year
If Pickens is the top guy on your WR depth chart you ain’t gonna scare nobody.
And you need to wise up..with a good qb..Pickens will blossom…you need to get out and get some fresh air