Marquez Valdes-Scantling reunited with Aaron Rodgers earlier this week by agreeing to a Steelers deal. In spite of that addition, more could be coming at the receiver position.
Pittsburgh is still looking into a trade acquisition at that spot, veteran insider Jordan Schultz and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler report. The Steelers have of course been connected to a move dating back to well before the Valdes-Scantling pact. The former Packers speedster has played on four teams since the end of his Green Bay tenure and expectations will be limited in his second time around with Rodgers.
The Steelers traded away George Pickens this offseason and replaced him with D.K. Metcalf. The latter inked a four-year, $132MM deal upon arrival from the Seahawks, and he will remain Pittsburgh’s WR1 for the foreseeable future. Finding depth production has been an issue in 2025, though, with Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson struggling to make a consistent impact.
As such, Pittsburgh could stand to add further ahead of the November 4 deadline. The team has been linked to interest in Jakobi Meyers and Calvin Ridley, among others. Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms (subscription required) the Steelers have made calls about Meyers, making them one of several teams in play for the Raiders veteran. Per Russini, Pittsburgh has indeed looked into other wideouts on the trade block as well.
Sitting at 4-3 on the year, the Steelers lead the AFC North as things stand. The team’s defensive struggles and a return to health on the part of the Ravens have led to recent pessimism about Pittsburgh’s chances of remaining in that spot, however. A rental move at the receiver spot would aid the offense, a unit which ranks just 23rd in the league in passing. Improving in that regard would be a feasible goal.
The Steelers have shown a willingness to be aggressive in terms of roster-building moves under general manager Omar Khan. With over $6MM in cap space, Pittsburgh can afford a modest swap in the coming days. It will be interesting to see if the team’s ongoing interest produces a deal.
Make a move for Shaheed, Waddle, or ……
Waddle would be the big move, as he’s probably the prize of the class this year. It’ll take a good pick to get him, and on a soon to expire deal, it would really be worth it if Pittsburgh signs him to another long term. Would the Steelers do that, after Metcalf? Dunno, it could make sense for the next QB to have a good tandem, but they need help elsewhere, too. I think that it’d be good for them, since they currently have a cheap QB and figure to continue to have a cheap QB for the next few years.
I don’t think that Pittsburgh is Waddle’s likeliest landing spot, but he’s probably the best WR who would possibly be available, if Brown stays in Philly (which is what it looks like will happen). The Dolphins may elect to not trade him though after all, with Kelly running things.
If the Steelers weren’t cheap they’d go for Waddle
They gave DK 132 million and you’re calling them cheap?
Spending isn’t always the answer. The Raiders and Browns are 2nd and 3rd in payroll spending and look where it’s got them.
If they want a #3, maybe the Raiders should ask about 2027 picks.
Wouldn’t the Jets give up Allen Lazard for a lot less than these other high profile names? Adding another big WR contract doesn’t seem wise with all the holes the Steelers have across both defense and offense.