The Pittsburgh Steelers have wrapped up a draft that pundits across the league have hailed as impressive. With their roster now almost complete, Steelers fans believe that acquiring one dependable wide receiver could elevate them to legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
The offseason has been marked by success, fueling fans' desire for further improvements. Among the most persistent rumors has been the pursuit of a wide receiver. Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been linked to trade talks involving numerous wideouts.
These rumors reached a fever pitch when former Steelers defensive back turned analyst, Bryant McFadden, hinted at Omar Khan's potential acquisition of a significant playmaker. McFadden's social media post sparked considerable excitement among Steelers fans, prompting him to elaborate further during a session on the Steeler Nation Twitter Space on Wednesday night.
“The background of my tweet was I have a close friend who’s tied to the NFL. He’s been heavily involved in different discussions. He’s been hearing so many different things. He’s one of the first people that told me about the Justin Fields trade well before it actually happened.”
McFadden disclosed his close ties with the organization, indicating that he still receives insider information. He also made it clear that he's not an insider and he doesn't want to be one.
He referenced a past instance where this individual informed him about the Justin Fields trade news well in advance, showcasing his reliable sources. McFadden simply shared information he trusted, based on his established track record.
“That’s the type of relationships he has in the NFL. So of course you know my Steeler ties he told me that it seems like something could happen sooner or later… My friend felt like it was about 75% chance of happening but through negotiations things can literally fall through.”
McFadden expressed his regret if his comments led Steelers fans to become overly excited. He reassured fans that while the information he shared holds promise, it's not a sure thing and there's a chance it might not come to fruition.
“How I worded my tweet. I apologize if people took it like it was going to instantly happen. I apologize if people felt like I was playing with their emotions. Like I said, it was a tweet from what I heard. It wasn’t something that I wanted to create on my own… But I do believe and I think it should happen.”
McFadden disclosed that he does have connections within the organization. He clarified that he's not seeking insider status but rather shared something he heard that might materialize. However, the timeline isn't as imminent as Steelers fans had hoped based on the tweet.
Steelers’ Omar Khan Is Putting On A Poker Face
Khan addressed the rumors during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, promptly dismissing them by stating that nothing was in the works. However, it's precisely what Khan should say. If he's on the brink of a deal, he's unlikely to announce it on television. Khan has already demonstrated immense potential as a GM in the league. He's savvy enough to keep his cards close to his chest.
Additionally, Khan previously stated that the organization wouldn't seek quarterbacks from outside. Yet, all three quarterbacks from last season have departed, and the Steelers now boast a completely revamped quarterback room featuring Fields and Russell Wilson.
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