Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Steelers WR Trade is a Bad Move

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Noah Strackbein | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 7:00 AM ET

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are three weeks through the NFL season and have found out quickly that their offense isn’t as good as they hoped it was.

In Week 1, the Steelers exploded for 34 points in a game that turned into a shootout from the jump. Leaving MetLife Stadium 1-0 with a win over the New York Jets, Pittsburgh was buzzing, and that buzz was about their star-studded offense, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Two weeks later, things are worrisome. The Steelers have scored 17 and 21 points in their last two contests, and have failed to replicate the same offensive success they found in the season opener. And on top of their poor performances overall, their electric passing game, that went for 244 yards three weeks ago, has diminished to almost nothing.

The last two weeks, running back Jaylen Warren has led the team in receiving yards, and led them in receptions as well in Week 3.

The fall off has brought up a conversation many have had for two years now - should the Steelers trade for a wide receiver?

The answer - shockingly - is no.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Steelers haven’t been able to produce anything with the wide receivers they have available. DK Metcalf has done little to nothing in two weeks, and Calvin Austin, outside of a game-winning touchdown, has failed to produce the big-play numbers he did in Week 1.

Meanwhile, the tight end trio the coaching staff raved about all summer in Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been nearly absent.

So, why go add another wide receiver? If they can’t make anything happen with the weapons they have now, what makes you think they’ll suddenly be able to produce a quality passing attack with a new one?

Metcalf and Smith aren’t nobodies. Freiermuth has had plenty of success in the past, and Austin sure looked like a WR2 just three weeks ago.

Sometimes, adding can fix things. But the Steelers need to figure out how to use the tools they have before they start thinking that adding more, and more expensive ones, is going to get the job done.

So, trading for a wide receiver shouldn’t be on the table, right now. Things can change. They constantly are in the NFL. But after three weeks and some very poor offensive performances, there’s nothing that says a new face to run routes and barely get the ball is going to be the missing piece Pittsburgh has needed.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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