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Steelers' Competition In Wide Receiver Trade Market Have Real Issue That Could Seriously Help Pittsburgh

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Parker Abate | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 8:57 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already gotten involved in the trade market despite the official deadline not being until November 4th. After DeShon Elliott suffered his second knee injury of the season, General Manager Omar Khan made sure to go find a reinforcement. Veteran safety Kyle Dugger was acquired from the New England Patriots essentially for a pick swap, which was a rather simple, but effective move for all parties involved. The defense could need even more help in the coming days, but fans are also paying close attention to what organizations are willing to get rid of a wide receiver.

Pittsburgh is known for saving a couple extra dollars in terms of cap space in the event that it is needed at some point in any given season. It worked out well that Dugger's contract is now completely voided after the 2025 campaign, and New England is also expected to pick up the majority of the tab. The Steelers still have plenty of cash to play around with if a top-notch pass-catcher is on the radar of the front office.

Albert Breer, an NFL insider, pointed out via a social media post that the league released its internal cap report ahead of Week 9 and the trade deadline. Khan and co. are certainly in good shape.

From today's internal NFL cap report, 10 teams with the most space ...

1) Patriots: $48.97M
2) Cowboys: $31.22M
3) Commanders: $26.28M
4) Lions: $23.91M
5) Browns: $21.74M
6) 49ers: $20.81M
7) Steelers: $20.45M
8) Seahawks: $20.16M
9) Titans: $18.75M
10) Panthers: $16.77M
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 29, 2025

Having over $20 million to use, if necessary, can be looked at as a big positive for the Steelers. The other teams that have a stash of cash on the list aren't necessarily players for a wide receiver, aside from the Patriots. They will be a strong competitor in the market, but some of the other franchises that could be looking for a wideout, including the Buffalo Bills and General Manager Brandon Beane, don't have a lot to work with.

From today's internal NFL cap report, 10 teams with the least space ...

1) Bills: $1.76M
2) Chiefs: $1.85M
3) Chargers: $2.82M
4) Dolphins: $2.83M
5) Colts: $3.72M
6) Falcons: $4.22M
7) Giants: $5.02M
8) Broncos: $5.07M
9) Raiders: $6.66M
10) Bears: $7.42M
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 29, 2025

Buffalo, the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos all could be seeking some kind of upgrade to their respective receiving groups. Cap space can always be worked around in some way, but it makes it tougher to get deals done. This is where the Steelers, and maybe the Patriots, can take advantage.

If a team is going to have to absorb some of the contract of a player like Calvin Ridley, Chris Olave, or even AJ Brown, Pittsburgh would be in a much better position to do so compared to other organizations. Other potential acquisitions may be within the budget of all parties looking to bring an offensive playmaker in, but the Steelers have more flexibility than most when it comes to being financially accommodating.

Steelers Will Only Make A Trade If Player Is The Perfect Fit

Pittsburgh's offense hasn't necessarily been the problem through eight weeks of the 2025 NFL season. The defense has let the collective down more times than one, which is why Khan could look to improve that side of the ball even more. The Dugger deal may not be the only one that comes about. The point about cap space, however, remains true. The Steelers have plenty of money to work with if a splash is in the cards.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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