Could Steelers Target 2022 Day 2 Receiver?

The Pittsburgh Steelers upgraded at receiver in the offseason by trading for Seattle Seahawks dynamo DK Metcalf. But after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys following the 2025 NFL Draft, they left themselves in a similar spot – one big-bodied star on the perimeter and an uninspiring cast of characters behind them.

That has left fans and analysts to speculate as to how Pittsburgh might address the receiving corps now that the well of free agency has dried up and the NFL Draft has concluded.

It’s possible general manager Omar Khan returns to the trade block, if not for a starter, then for another contributor who could compete for playing time on a rotational basis.

One such candidate is 2022 second-round receiver John Metchie III, who could become a Steelers trade target late in the offseason.

“Sources: Multiple teams have reached out to the Texans to see if WR John Metchie III would be available in trade due to the plethora of receivers on their roster,” Jordan Schultz posted. “It’s unclear if Houston would move him, but several [teams] are keeping a close eye.

“The former 2nd-round pick out of Alabama had 10 catches for 100 yards and a TD in the preseason.”

Metchie’s career has been checkered through three seasons. He dealt with a leukemia diagnosis during his rookie season and failed to make much of a mark in Houston since his return.

With just 412 yards and one touchdown to his name through his two healthy seasons, Metchie enters a contract year buried on the depth chart. That, as Mike Nicastro noted, could lend itself to a late-offseason trade.

“I understand your argument - why wouldn’t they just keep him? But I’m not sure a player on the trade block, who has two receivers drafted in the early rounds, would be in their plans moving forward,” Mike Nicastro wrote. “They’d probably be doing him a solid by giving him an opportunity with another team.

“I’m not implying that he will come to Pittsburgh and take a gargantuan leap, but as the roster currently stands, he’d have an opportunity to see the field.”

Metchie would compete with 2024 Day 2 receiver Roman Wilson, veteran Robert Woods, speedster Scotty Miller, and versatile handyman Ben Skowronek for playing time. With arguably the most athleticism of that bunch, he profiles best as a replacement for Miller, although a lack of special teams experience works against him.

With second-round pedigree, occasional flashes, and a path to playing time, Pittsburgh could benefit from sending a late/conditional Day 3 pick to Houston. Even so, the team’s affinity for 2026 draft capital and how comfortable it seems to feel at receiver means Metchie probably isn’t a priority for the Steelers.