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Steelers' last hope at trading for another superstar wide receiver just went out the window following latest NFL news

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers fans tend to always want more (rightfully so).

More wins, more Super Bowls, and this summer specifically, more wide receivers.

Well, their best chance at landing a difference maker in the latter category is no longer an option.

Commanders agree to contract extension with Terry McLaurin

The process of paying Terry McLaurin was long, exhausting, and completely unexpected, but the end goal was to always get a deal done. McLaurin voiced his frustration with the front office for the first time ever back in July, which eventually led to him holding out of training camp and requesting a trade which we knew wouldn't happen. The two sides seemed far apart in numbers due to McLaurin's age as he enters his age-30 season, and [Washington Commanders GM] Adam Peters' analytical mindset to getting deals done. McLaurin was too valuable to the offense, though, and the three-year extension is a win for both sides.

- Josh Taylor, A to Z Sports Commanders

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When Josh says a trade was never going to happen, he's not wrong. Would the Steelers have liked to pursue McLaurin? I'm sure. Did they? Maybe. But league sources stressed that the Commanders would rather let McLaurin play out the life of his prior deal than trade him away.

So it leaves the Steelers' WR room with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III as your top targets on the perimeter after Metcalf. The trade deadline isn't until November, so there is still plenty of time to strike a deal with another team.

And we can sit here and listen to Khan and Co. stress how much they like the current room and how high they are on the players they have, but if that was totally true, you don't have Gabe Davis come back for another visit last week.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DDl46BS16h8

We have seen flashes from Roman Wilson, but Steelers fans know all too well how big of liar the preseason can be (looking at you, Steelers preseason offense 2023), and Calvin Austin III didn't take a snap in the preseason after suffering an injury on the first day of August.

So for now, the group they have is the one you will have to stick with going forward, up and until the next big name is on the trade block.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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