Four trades including receivers have taken place this offseason, and the Steelers have been involved in two of them. Pittsburgh’s depth chart will be led by D.K. Metcalf in 2025 and beyond, but questions linger about who will operate as the team’s No. 2 option. 
Incumbents Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson are each set have an increased role in the passing game as things stand. The Steelers have added a veteran in the form of Robert Woods, but acquiring another experienced option closer to their prime remains a goal. Pittsburgh is still “actively making calls” regarding a receiver trade while also looking into the remaining free agent options, per Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show.
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Last month, it was reported the Steelers were content to evaluate their in-house wideouts before strongly pursuing an outside addition. With OTAs and minicamp now in the books, they have been able to do so. The likes of Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper – who have a combined 11 Pro Bowls to their names – are among the veterans still in need of a deal at this point of the offseason. Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers contract is now on the books, but even taking into account that one-year pact Pittsburgh still has nearly $19MM in cap space.
Finances will therefore not be an issue on the free agent front. With respect to trades, general manager Omar Khan has shown a willingness to pursue a high-profile move more than once. Prior to this year’s Metcalf swap, the Steelers reached agreement on a Brandon Aiyuk trade. He eventually landed a 49ers extension, though, something which fueled efforts to acquire a rental at the 2024 trade deadline. Mike Williams did not perform as hoped upon arrival, and he has since retuned to the Chargers.
No wideouts have a standing trade request (at least in public) at this point. Pittsburgh could nevertheless look to bring in a starting-caliber option before training camp. In the meantime, Austin in particular will continue preparing for a notable offensive role. The 26-year-old was sidelined for his entire rookie season and handled a part-time workload the following campaign. In 2024, though, Austin averaged 15.2 yards per catch while recording four touchdowns and chipping in as a punt returner as well.
2025 represents a key season in Austin’s case. Kaboly notes the Steelers have not approached the former fourth-rounder about an extension, but Austin could certainly boost his market value with a career-high in production. That, in turn, will of course depend on what moves (if any) Pittsburgh makes at the receiver spot this summer.
I really wish they would commit to just sucking for 1 year and getting a high pick to take a QB. I’m so tired of this patchwork QB stuff they keep doing.
look at all the good teams right now. they never tanked, they made good picks and made smart improvemnts over time. itll take a few years to right the ship but tanking is not the move
Unless you are tanking for a QB with the last name Manning (Arch). I recall the Colts did it in the late 90s
Hot Corner –Why would you tank for a kid who has never been the #1 QB on a college team? I don’t understand the logic? Even if he starts next year and balls out why would you put your franchise on the hook for a one year wonder? Ask the Bengals about Akili Smith or David Klingler. Until Arch plays in a few games against elite competition I wouldn’t sign him on a bet. And I don’t believ his uncles came out early either. Besides, I don’t remember Cooper Manning, his dad, ever having a career in the NFL. He might have ended up with those genes and not granddad’s. Not a troll, just really curious what the hype is about.
Agree that Manning has yet to actually prove he’s the talent he’s been hyped up to be. But, Cooper was no slouch, according to Payton he was the best of all the brothers if not for being diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which ended his football career. Think he was a WR tho
*he was going to U of Miss to play before being diagnosed.
They can trade up with all the comp picks
Omar Khan seems like he makes moves without a long term vision. Absolute joke that once again this summer the Steelers are searching for a #2 receiver. Could have drafted one.
I’d argue that they are, actually. Pittsburgh clearly skipped this year in selecting a quarterback to pick what they think will be a better one next year. Maybe it will work, maybe it won’t, but I can’t blame for not being impressed with this year’s crop.
I was clearly referring to them skipping on picking a WR
Fair enough. First sentence is what I was referring to. I’ll yield to that.
Steelers playing the offseason on a Flash Player game on Internet Explorer.
So Art Rooney finally decided to upgrade from his Commodore 64?
Keenan Allen. Make it happen
He definitely would be the possession WR complement to D.K.
Just read an article where somebody asked Allen if he was interested in Pittsburgh and he said no.
Damn didn’t know that. Bro it’s almost training camp and he’s still being picky lol
Allen just said that he won’t play for the steelers
Don’t think will. Keenan is sticking to either team in LA due to family or would resign in Chicago. He has over 130 million in career earnings he can afford to ge picky.
It’s a little late in the game to look for a quality WR. They dont have any established playmakers after Metcalf. Better hope the OL keeps AR upright or they’re in trouble.
look at all the good teams right now. they never tanked, they made good picks and made smart improvemnts over time. itll take a few years to right the ship but tanking is not the move
Lazard could probably be had for Peanuts.
They just might regret trading Pickens…should have waited
Aaron, call Jordy!
Call the Patriots for Kayshon Boutte. He would come cheap.
Or Bourne, who almost was not brought back. I’d like to see if Boutte could deliver on his potential, though.
Don’t worry,wait for Aaron rodgers when he throws the wrong pass route he’s going to say it was receivers fault . Then when the sqqueeeleeerrrss lose 3 in a row the fingers are doing to be pointing. How many players has a-rod put the kibosh on he’s going to be another Big Ben neither can run when he gets blitzed he go’s down like a sack of potatoes. Pittsburgh you should have taken your medicine and went with a qb in the draft but you know Washup Rod told Omar you if you draft a qb I’m not coming to the BERG find another qb. He’s already DICTATING how to run the club he might be the KEY tho getting Tomlin to take a BUSRIDE a one way ticket.
Another one of Mark Kabolys’ reports ends up being wrong.
Big surprise.
I swear he makes this stuff up.
The next story he breaks will be the first
Weird, it is almost like they just moved one for next to nothing.
Could’ve had the 2nd best pairing in the division and instead they are at the bottom…again.
Mr tomlin, I have a Randall Cobb on the line for you.