It seems as if the Pittsburgh Steelers are involved in discussions within the media regarding the wide receiver position almost daily as anticipation builds for the 2024 NFL Draft. With all due respect to the pass-catchers on the roster, George Pickens is the only wideout that can be counted on to perform at a high level once the new season kicks off. General Manager Omar Khan is, without a doubt, going to add to the position soon. The main questions surrounding that are if it will be a trade acquisition or draft pick joining the team first.
It seems as if the prized possession for organizations that need help at wide receiver is San Francisco 49ers' play-maker Brandon Aiyuk. The main problem with that idea is that several individuals close to the young star have vehemently denied the prospect of him being traded. It has been an ongoing conversation for several weeks now.
Aiyuk would require any team to give up significant draft capital, but also include a contract extension for the 26-year old that could near the $25 million per year range. If Khan decides to shift his focus (if he was even interested in Aiyuk in the first place), there seems to be a situation developing for the Denver Broncos that could lead to Courtland Sutton being moved sooner rather than later.
Sutton is 28 years of age and still has plenty of good football left in him. It wouldn't hurt the fact that he would be reunited with Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh if the Steelers do decide to make the call for the former Pro Bowl wideout. Khan would be doing the organization a favor by reaching out to Denver. Sutton wouldn't come with as hefty a price tag as Aiyuk, either.
It will be hard for Pittsburgh to genuinely trust a rookie wide receiver to hop into the number two spot immediately. The class is extremely deep and several of the prospects have the potential to turn into stars, but it wouldn't be the wisest decision to trust a young player to make an impact right away, especially if he will need some time to develop at the professional level.
Sutton, as Tom Pelissero mentioned, had 10 touchdowns in 2023 and added 59 catches and 772 yards. He only missed one game when he was inactive in Week 17. It's not uncommon for players to sit out of voluntary workouts, but if a deal isn't reached prior to the draft, the Broncos may want to gain some more capital and let another team pay up for Sutton's services.
The Steelers are an ideal spot for him due to the familiarity with Wilson. He could be looked at as the perfect veteran to step in and continue to mentor Pickens, while also having the capability to put up big numbers in Arthur Smith's new offense.
Steelers Trading For Wide Receiver Relieves Draft Weekend Stress
Pittsburgh needs help on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at the cornerback position. If a trade commences between the Steelers and a team like the Broncos, it will make draft weekend much easier for Khan and co. They would still be expected to draft a play-maker at the position, but can focus on other needs prior given the franchise's success finding receivers in the later rounds.
Would you want the Steelers to trade for Sutton?
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