Steelers Have Brand New Wide Receiver Trade Target After Polarizing 3rd-Year Player Stands Out In Preseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has only scored 15 points in two preseason games in 2024. Some of that is due to a lot of players competing that won't make the 53-man roster, but the starting unit hasn't impressed either. This has fans desperate for more play-making ability, specifically at the wide receiver position. No one knows what the ending to the Brandon Aiyuk saga will look like, but General Manager Omar Khan should also be evaluating other options in case the All-Pro ends up staying with the San Francisco 49ers. There likely won't be someone of Aiyuk's caliber available, but that doesn't rule out a possible trade.

Many names have been thrown around throughout the 2024 offseason when it comes to the Steelers and a new receiver that could be acquired via trade. The Washington Commanders' Jahan Dotson was even linked recently. Another name should officially be connected to Pittsburgh; not necessarily because there has been any interest reported, but because a talented young pass-catcher is stuck near the backend of one of the league's best receiving cores.

John Metchie III was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed his entire true rookie campaign after an unexpected cancer diagnosis came his way. He took the entire year undergoing treatment, and eventually was cleared to play for Houston in 2023. Unfortunately, he only caught 16 passes and now finds himself in a room with Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Nico Collins and veteran Robert Woods, not to mention Noah Brown.

While he is still young and has promising traits, it might benefit the Texans to get some sort of draft compensation for him while he is playing well. He hauled in six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in Houston's preseason contest against the New York Giants on Saturday. He flashed the abilities that he always had on display in college, and certainly would be a nice player to have on the Steelers.

Metchie is in a very crowded wide receivers' room. He has the talent to compete for catches, but in a 2023 season without Diggs in the picture, he still only caught 16 passes. He also played several more minutes than the main starters did against the Giants, which would lead one to believe he is relatively buried on the depth chart. His trade stock, however, rose on Saturday after a phenomenal performance.

One could argue that Van Jefferson would still be a better option for the Steelers as the number two, but Metchie hasn't gotten a true opportunity to showcase his abilities in the NFL. He likely won't get much of a chance to do that while in Houston, either. This could trigger a phone call from Khan, especially if the Aiyuk trade talks fall through. Everything and anything is on the table when it comes to improving the Steelers' offense.

Another interesting possibility here is Pittsburgh giving the Texans a draft pick to acquire Metchie, but then immediately flipping other draft capital and Metchie for Aiyuk. There are several different avenues that Khan could take this if he reaches out to Houston General Manager Nick Caserio. Khan has been known to get creative, and inquiring about Metchie could be another example of doing just that, whether it is to bring him to the Steel City or ship him off to San Francisco.

Steelers Not Going To Scare Defenses With Current Offensive Setup

Fans in Pittsburgh are tired of offenses underperforming. George Pickens is going to be the top wideout for the group, but reinforcements may be needed. Acquiring Metchie would be a low-risk, high-reward move. He has the tools to be great at the NFL level, but just needs more consistent reps. Arguably the fifth wideout for the Texans, a change of scenery may seriously behoove him.

Do you think that the Steelers should look into trading for Metchie? Let us know in the comments below!

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