Steelers' trade-deadline target reportedly chose not to be sent to Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided not to make any major moves during the NFL trade deadline. Although the team expressed a desire for a more aggressive approach, nothing materialized. The addition of Kyle Dugger was viewed as a positive step, but the organization did not acquire a wide receiver despite the need. Two of the biggest names linked to the Steel City were Jakobi Meyers and Rashid Shaheed. Both players were traded, but general manager Omar Khan was unable to secure either playmaker.

It would be unwise to say that the Steelers didn't try to acquire a pass-catcher. Khan was definitely on the phone, hoping to land a potential contributor. Unfortunately, Shaheed ended up with the Seattle Seahawks, and Meyers joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. This removed Pittsburgh's top two options.

Chris Halicke, a team reporter for the Steelers, mentioned in an edition of his "Friday Insider" that Khan was indeed trying to land Shaheed. What he offered was actually enough; however, the Seahawks were willing to give up the same draft capital. New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis let Shaheed choose his next destination. It is now clear that his choice was not the Steel City.

"According to a team source, Khan offered the Saints the same package as the Seahawks for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed — a fourth- and fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft," Halicke explained. "Shaheed preferred to go to Seattle to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whom he played under last season in New Orleans, so the Saints accepted the package that honored their player's wishes."

It's easy to respect Shaheed's loyalty to his former play-caller, Klint Kubiak. That is the main reason for the reported decision, but it also highlights Pittsburgh's lack of appeal as a destination. The Seahawks have the best receiver in football in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, along with Cooper Kupp, but Shaheed still preferred his opportunity out West over the Northeast.

When the news broke on Tuesday, Steelers fans still hoped Khan would sign a wide receiver. But now, the question is whether Pittsburgh's front office relied too heavily on one option. The offer was clearly enough to get Shaheed, but the receiver had other plans, especially after being given the choice.