For the past few weeks, there has been silence on the Steelers’ front. With the exception of depth additions like tight end MyCole Pruitt and wide receiver Quez Watkins, the waves have subsided following Pittsburgh’s barrage of transactions to begin the new league season.
The transfer of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday marked a slowdown for major movements in the league overall.
A 2025 second round pick was also handed to Houston in exchange for two Day 3 picks. After that move, the trade market keeps telling the same tale: it is possible to acquire established receivers with little draft money.
Even with the acquisition of a draft pick for the next year, the Bills’ return on Diggs is by far the most of any receiver trade this offseason. Diontae Johnson was acquired by the Steelers for a Day 3 pick and Donte Jackson from the Carolina Panthers, while Jerry Jeudy was acquired by the Browns for two Day 3 picks from the Denver Broncos.
In light of this, the Steelers ought to resume their offensive campaign, pick up the phone, and make an effort to sign a qualified receiver to play outside. Because even though it can be thrilling to consider adding receivers in the draft, they will be expected to perform and contribute immediately away. This is not Mike Wallace being added in the third round with Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes as role models. The Steelers will need to come in right away and be the No. 2 receiver—but in reality, the No. 1 receiver—should they choose a Ricky Pearsall or Jermaine Burton. Because George Pickens isn’t well-known despite being a fantastic player downfield and having the ability to make plays after the catch
I’ve made it clear that I wholeheartedly favor obtaining Brandon Aiyuk. You go for it if you can find a man of that caliber. Not a single question was raised. It’s okay if you lost out on a first-round choice. Right now, Aiyuk is the best, therefore there won’t be anyone else you take there. The Steelers have been a shining example of what happens when you invest in something. Their offense has been among the worst in the NFL for the past two years, and they have the lowest paid offense in the league. If you can find a player who is on par with Aiyuk, you should do so because premium players have premium price tags.
There are lots of other folks worth phoning about even if it’s not Aiyuk. Make a Commanders’ call. “Hey Adam Peters, what can I get Terry McLaurin for you?”
Make a Buccaneer call. “Hey Jason Licht, are you open to talking about trading Chris Godwin?”
Make a Seahawks call. “Hello, this is Omar. John Schneider.” For D.K. Metcalf or Tyler Lockett, what can I give you?
Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Christian Watson are the four players on the Packers’ roster that are superior to every receiver on the Steelers’ roster save George Pickens.
In addition, I would love to see the Steelers sign Hunter Renfrow, a free agent, to further strengthen their offensive line. Renfrow was one of the best slot receivers in football prior to Josh McDaniels joining the Raiders and doing what Josh McDaniels does every time he becomes a head coach—he blows everything up. He was a Pro Bowl player in 2021 with 103 receptions for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. After that, McDaniels opted not to use him after being hired. At this point, he would be a big acquisition and the slot’s first starter.
It is possible that the Steelers will get their cake and eat it too. If they could find a seasoned veteran to start on the outside at wide receiver, they probably wouldn’t have to give up their first-round pick. On the first two draft days, it could not even entail exchanging any of their picks. which would let them to concentrate on acquiring a center and tackle in addition to supplementary support. In addition to trading for someone, signing a player like Renfrow expands their options in the draft, so I fully anticipate that they will be occupied leading up to and during draft day in order to execute one last huge move.
