Why would Steelers trade for WR instead of targeting current receivers more?

If that leaves Meyers to choose from, is it worth it? On Sunday, the receiver – who has been dealing with toe and knee injuries – was listed as “questionable” to play… and then didn’t. The star wideout sought to be traded from the Raiders before the season began, but the front office prevented it. Las Vegas could rethink that decision as the trade deadline looms, but how do they deal him if he’s not 100 percent?

Who Pittsburgh currently has rostered

Everyone knows D.K. Metcalf is WR1 in Pittsburgh, and that Austin had been the primary secondary receiver. The Steelers do have Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Ke’Shawn Williams on the active roster; Isaiah Hodgins is on the practice squad.

That the Steelers aren’t fielding big-name superstars at receiver seems to be an issue that bothers analysts and fans more than it has the front office or coaching staff, since there were opportunities to make more moves in free agency.

Everyone loves the big, explosive plays, but…

The Steelers usage of their wide receivers hasn’t been explosive

Through seven weeks of play (six games due to the Week 5 bye), Pittsburgh has utilized a game-managing, relatively balanced, quick-pass offense with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. They’ve found success utilizing multiple tight end sets, both in the pass and run game.

Out of 166 targets (120 receptions) for 1,282 yards, the only receiver who has more than 20 targets is Metcalf.

Looking at the receiving stats of the “receivers” group mentioned previously, the pattern becomes clear. Austin has been targeted 17 times (10 catches) for 139 yards. Wilson has been targeted 5 times (4 catches) for 36 yards; Miller and Skowronek have both had 2 targets and one catch, apiece, but 9 yards to 22 yards in comparison. Skowronek also has a touchdown. Williams has spent his time on the field as a special teams returner.

If the Steelers wanted more big plays from receivers, you’d think they’d game plan to get them more involved week to week… but they aren’t.

In Arthur Smith’s presumably catered offense for Rodgers, providing the veteran with multiple options – including tight ends and running backs – as targets appears to be how the Steelers want to operate. And, it has been working for the most part.

The rumblings about the trade deadline and the need for another receiver heated up once again when the Steelers lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The issue wasn’t that there were no receivers available, though; it was that the defense had a breakdown… and Rodgers threw two unpredictable interceptions, including one pass meant for Metcalf.

So, if the Steelers truly “need” a receiver, why aren’t they targeting who they already have rostered, more?

There will be debates surrounding this question and whether a trade for a receiver is necessary or not. The Steelers fanbase enjoys seeing their team push the ball downfield for big plays.

In the current offense, however, Rodgers doesn’t seem to be concerned about who he has to throw to. He has spread the ball around, taking what defenses offer and exploiting as necessary. The tight ends have become a key group in this offense and, thanks to backs who can also catch, Rodgers has been able to use RPOs, misdirection, and modified looks to get the Steelers to a 4-2 record.

If Pittsburgh does make a trade for a receiver, will the offensive scheme change? There’s no supportive evidence that that will be the case.