Steelers might pursue one of Rodgers' former targets

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Steelers should pursue one of Aaron Rodgers' former targets to boost offense

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:22 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently constructing the team's final roster for the 2025 season, which is one of the toughest decisions for every NFL organization.

Players on the edge of rosters are traded from team to team, while other players are waived, allowing clubs to pick them up on the waiver wire. The Steelers will have a chance to do this, but it will be interesting to see what positions the franchise prioritizes before the start of the regular season. Wide receiver is a spot fans want to see upgraded, but the organization could also use some added depth on both sides of the ball.

The Steelers could consider picking up many players who were released on Monday and Tuesday. However, there is an intriguing name available at wide receiver, Malachi Corley, a 2024 third-round pick, who was waived by the New York Jets on Tuesday.

The Steelers had previously shown interest in him during the pre-draft process last year, but didn't have the chance to select him.

The #Jets are expected to release wide receiver Malachi Corley, sources tell @CBSSports.

Was a third-round pick of the Jets last year. pic.twitter.com/XvrcDWxycx
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 26, 2025

Corley had immense potential coming out of college. He played at Western Kentucky, and over four seasons, caught 259 passes for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. His production was consistent, but he had some trouble transitioning to the NFL. It doesn't help that he went to a dysfunctional organization like the Jets, and a part of his release is the fact that a new regime took over in New York

An obvious connection between Corley and the Steelers is with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It was reported that Rodgers wanted the Jets to draft Corley back in 2024, which likely influenced the organization's decision. He has some familiarity with the young receiver, and that could lead Rodgers to persuade Pittsburgh to bring him in.

I wonder how the Steelers currently feel about Malachi Corley.

The Steelers had him in for a pre-draft visit. Then, Rodgers reportedly pushed for the Jets to draft him. His versatility might intrigue Arthur Smith. Sounds like he may be available. https://t.co/fUqbTXfw2E
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 26, 2025

Corley had a rough rookie season as he struggled even to make it onto the football field, but a change of scenery and a new organization could play a role in helping him improve.

Until the first three weeks of the regular season are over, the waiver wire goes in the order of the 2025 NFL Draft. After the first three weeks of the regular season, the standings are updated to reflect the current standings in the NFL.

Pittsburgh has the 21st priority on the waiver wire. That means that 20 teams in front of them can submit a claim for Corley, or any other player Pittsburgh may be interested in. That cycle will then repeat itself, and that is how waived players end up on new rosters. Corley still has potential, and one of the 20 teams in front of Pittsburgh could try to grab him.

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

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