The Pittsburgh Steelers are making moves to bolster their roster for a strong playoff push, aiming to rebuild their offense with fresh talent and experienced players. After a successful draft last week, the Steelers are rumored to be exploring trade possibilities for top-tier wide receivers. NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reported that the team has been reaching out to several franchises, including the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Seattle Seahawks, to inquire about acquiring some of their standout players. Specifically, the Steelers have shown interest in Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, and DK Metcalf, but so far, they haven’t made any significant progress.
According to Allbright, the Steelers contacted the 49ers about Aiyuk and the Broncos about Sutton but were rebuffed during the initial discussions. The Seahawks were also approached about a potential trade involving Metcalf, but it seems unlikely that any deal would happen before June 1, if at all.
One of the reasons why a Metcalf trade might be more feasible after June 1 is due to the salary cap implications. If the Seahawks trade him after that date, they could save $17 million in cap space, with Metcalf’s contract set to expire at the end of 2025. However, if they trade him before June 1, the Seahawks would save only $9.5 million but incur $22.5 million in dead money over the final two seasons of his contract.
Despite these rumors, another perspective was offered by local Steelers reporter Andrew Fillipponi, who tweeted that the speculation about Metcalf joining the Steelers wasn’t true. This contradiction in reporting has led to differing opinions among fans and analysts. While it’s unclear whether the Steelers are pursuing Metcalf, the team’s interest in acquiring another wide receiver to strengthen their offense seems evident.
The Steelers made notable moves during the recent NFL draft, selecting Michigan’s Roman Wilson in the second round. However, they also traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, creating a gap in their receiving corps. Given that George Pickens is the team’s primary receiver, it makes sense for the Steelers to look for additional talent to complement their offense.
Another reason why the Steelers might be pursuing wide receivers is due to the connection between new quarterback Russell Wilson and some of the players they’re targeting. Wilson previously played with Courtland Sutton in Denver and DK Metcalf in Seattle, suggesting that there might be a desire to reunite with familiar targets.
The Steelers’ focus on adding talent to their receiving corps aligns with their goal of making a deeper playoff run, having not had a significant postseason presence since 2016. The team’s recent draft success and subsequent interest in established players reflect a commitment to building a competitive team that can challenge for the playoffs.
As the offseason progresses, it remains to be seen whether the Steelers will finalize any trades for top-tier receivers. While the rumors surrounding Metcalf have drawn significant attention, the team is likely to consider other options to strengthen their offense. The NFL’s landscape is ever-changing, and teams are continually looking for ways to improve their rosters.
The speculation surrounding potential trades and the impact of salary cap rules keeps the NFL’s offseason as intriguing as the regular season. The Steelers’ pursuit of additional receivers will continue to be a topic of discussion, with fans eagerly anticipating the next moves by the team. Whether it’s through trades, further draft picks, or free agency, the Steelers seem determined to enhance their offense for the upcoming season.
