Steelers Have Preference for WR Trade

NFL Insider Reveals Steelers' Preference

In a deadline update article for NFL.com, insider Ian Rapoport wrote that the Steelers are, in fact, looking to acquire receiver help and would prefer to bring in a "speed threat" who could play alongside DK Metcalf.

"The Steelers are, once again, in the market for a receiver, sources say," Rapoport wrote. "Their offense has thrived by featuring multiple tight ends, but the addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense."

Steelers' Current WR Room

Receiver remains perhaps Pittsburgh's most glaring need on either side of the ball, so it's no surprise to see that the organization is being diligent in its pursuit of an additional weapon for Rodgers in the passing game.

Metcalf and Calvin Austin III (when healthy) will continue to see a majority of the reps at the position for the Steelers, but their confidence in the likes of Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek and Ke'Shawn Williams doesn't seem to be super high at the moment, even if Wilson in particular has heated up a bit over the past two weeks with three catches for 29 yards.

Would Top Names Be to Pittsburgh's Liking?

If the Steelers are putting a premium on landing another speed threat next to receivers who already fit that mold in Austin and Miller, than that could somewhat limit their options on the trade market.

The Las Vegas Raiders' Jakobi Meyers, who may be the top receiver dealt at the deadline as the team fell to 2-5 in Week 7, is not a burner. Instead, at 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, he's a possession receiver who wins with his size and strong hands rather than an innate ability to use his speed in order to beat defenses downfield.

Outside of him, though, Pittsburgh could go after someone like Jaylen Waddle, Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed, all of whom possess plus-speed.

Waddle's under contract through 2028 and is guaranteed $16,631,000 in salary for the 2026 campaign, but with the Miami Dolphins floundering, the 26-year-old could hit the trade block as an explosive option with three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt.

Olave ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has become more all of an all-around threat as his career has progressed, though the New Orleans Saints may be hesitant to part ways with him considering his importance to their offense.

New Orleans may be more willing to trade Shaheed, who is one of the fastest players in the league, before he reaches free agency next offseason, though, and he'd make for an excellent addition to the Steelers' offense.