Aaron Rodgers' Former Teammate A Clear Target For The Steelers As A Problem Is Arising in New York

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be watched closely throughout the rest of the 2025 offseason. The team is expected to be aggressive in some regard, as some intriguing players are available throughout the league. There have been some rumors about Pittsburgh looking to trade for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, while the wide receiver room behind DK Metcalf also needs an upgrade. Pittsburgh should be patrolling the trade market for wide receivers, but waiting until the end of training camp to land a wide receiver is also a good idea.

There are some veteran free agents that are available on the open market, including Gabe Davis, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen. Pittsburgh had Davis in for a visit, but he left Pittsburgh without a contract. It is unclear if the Steelers will make a move for one of those veterans, as the organization can wait until the end of camp and see if any talented, younger guys get cut from a crowded wide receiver room. One name that might fit that mold is New York Jets wide receiver, Malachi Corley. 

Corley was New York's third-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and has missed some time during the 2025 offseason with an injury after a disappointing rookie year in 2024. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio speculated that Corley has some catching up to do, and he used a quote from Jets wide receiver coach, Shawn Jefferson, to back that thought up.

"My old coach, Bill Parcells, used to say the first thing you need to be is you need to be available.” Jefferson said. “He’s missed some time, and there’s a learning curve here, so he’s in catch-up mode right now.”

Corley was not available during the 2025 offseason, which has hurt him. He is playing under a new regime that did not draft him, so there is no obligation from the front office or the coaching staff to Corley. It was not their choice to select him in the 2024 NFL Draft, which means he is a likely trade or cut candidate.

Corley was a wide receiver that the Steelers were interested in coming out of college. Pittsburgh hosted Corley for a pre-draft visit back in 2024, and the organization could jump if it has the chance to land him. If he does get released at the end of camp at some point, he wouldn't be expensive to add, and there would be no additional cost like there would be in a trade. 

The Jets depth chart is interesting to look at when it comes to the wide receiver position. Assuming the organization plans to keep six players at the position, which is standard, it should be safe to assume that Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Josh Reynolds are all locks to make the team. 

Arian Smith as well as a fourth-round rookie. It will come down to Corley, Tyler Johnson, and Xavier Gipson for the final roster spot. Johnson provides experience and a veteran presence, while Gipson provides speed and value on special teams.

Steelers Should Absolutely Consult Aaron Rodgers If The Opportunity To Add Corley Arises

Adding a receiver like Corley is a low-risk, high-reward move. However, it would still be a good idea to consult with Aaron Rodgers about the move before making it as the two are former teammates. He has always been very particular about his wide receivers, and he should be able to be a good judge about whether or not Corley has any chance to make an impact in Pittsburgh. 

His word shouldn't be the end all, be all of the matter, but it should carry some weight. After all, if Corley is added, the expectation is that he would be in Pittsburgh way longer than Rodgers is.