Steelers Now Have Natural Fit For 1 Potential Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently made headlines with the major signing of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. This move comes after a complete overhaul of the team’s quarterback room, following having multiple quarterbacks on short-term contracts. For months, speculation had been building as rumors continued to link Rodgers to Pittsburgh, and now that the deal is finally official, the focus within the organization has shifted. With their new veteran quarterback in place, the Steelers are now turning their attention to addressing other key areas of need throughout the roster, hoping to build a more complete and competitive team heading into the upcoming season.

The quarterback vacancy has been the most heavily discussed storyline of the Steelers' offseason so far. However, not far behind is the growing concern surrounding the wide receiver position. After trading away former star receiver George Pickens, the Steelers now find themselves with a significant hole to fill alongside newly acquired veteran DK Metcalf. In a recent article, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette highlighted several wide receivers who could be strong candidates to step into that role, particularly now that the team has secured Rodgers.

"[Allen] Lazard has been a natural link due the amount of time he’s spent with Rodgers," Mackey wrote. "It’s also hard to dislike the idea of signing [Keenan] Allen, a five-time Pro Bowler with plenty left to prove."

Before Pickens was traded, he was in the midst of contract negotiations with the Steelers. Although he still had one year remaining on his rookie deal, the team ultimately decided against meeting the high salary demands he was expected to command. As contract values continue to skyrocket across the league, that's driven by the steady increase in the NFL salary cap, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for teams to re-sign key players or bring in new talent. The rising trend of massive contracts puts added pressure on front offices to balance star power with long-term financial sustainability.

Although the Steelers have the financial resources to make big moves, they are still allocating significant funds to several of their current stars and must remain mindful of future financial obligations. Several key players are currently potentially engaged in contract negotiations, which adds another layer of complexity to their cap management. Among the newest additions, wide receiver Metcalf, acquired earlier this offseason, now holds the title of the highest-paid player on the roster, having recently signed a five-year, $150 million contract.

Rodgers is the oldest active player in the NFL and many believe he sees this season as an opportunity to cap off his Hall of Fame career on a high note. Despite his status, Rodgers is not among the most expensive quarterbacks in the league, which gives the Steelers some financial flexibility. This opens the door for them to pursue a key wide receiver, especially with the expectation that they may draft a quarterback next year, who would likely be on an affordable rookie contract. Building a strong wide receiver duo is something the Steelers not only need right now, but have been lacking for quite some time.

Allen Lazard, who Mackey referenced in his article, has been a longtime teammate of Rodgers, having played alongside him on both of the quarterback’s previous teams (the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets). Lazard initially followed Rodgers from Green Bay to New York, though his production dipped after Rodgers’ injury-shortened season with the Jets. While Lazard is not currently a free agent, he remains a top potential target for the Steelers due to his established chemistry and history with Rodgers. With one year left on his contract in New York, a trade isn’t out of the question, especially considering Lazard joined the Jets largely because of Rodgers. 

Keenan Allen, who is a current free agent, continues to be an option for the Steelers as they look to bolster their wide receiver group. Although Allen is an aging veteran, he has consistently demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level when healthy. Bringing in Allen would allow Pittsburgh to secure a capable WR2 at a potentially lower cost, giving them a short-term solution while they evaluate and wait for the opportunity to draft a long-term option in a future NFL Draft class.

Steelers Are Preparing For The Future

The Steelers have accumulated valuable future draft capital through a combination of trades and potential compensatory picks. While they are actively working to address several key positions on the current roster, long-term solutions are still needed across multiple areas. By collecting draft capital, the Steelers are putting themselves in a good position to make a big move when the time comes, whether that means trading up in the draft or targeting specific players who can help shape the future of the franchise.