Steelers May Have A Chance To Land Sought After Offseason Target Amidst Polarizing Davante Adams Saga

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to acquire an elite second wide receiver to pair with George Pickens, but they have been failing ever since their first attempts at the start of free agency. During that time, General Manager Omar Khan made some attempts to sign Tyler Boyd, but Pittsburgh lost out on the receiver. They were also heavily involved in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers in regards to Brandon Aiyuk. Instead of landing either of these higher-level receivers, Pittsburgh has been rolling out Van Jefferson as their second option at wideout in the passing game.

The only receiver for Pittsburgh that has been reliable throughout the 2024 season has been Pickens, and this was the concern going into the year. The Steelers have seen meaningful contributions from Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller, but neither is a true second receiver. Jefferson has struggled to contribute, as he has racked up just 36 yards on five catches in 2024. Pittsburgh is also waiting on the debut of rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, who is coming back from an ankle injury.

Pittsburgh tried to improve the wide receiver room during the offseason so this wouldn't happen, and one target they had their eyes on was Mike Williams. Pittsburgh had a free agency visit planned with Williams, but he went on a visit with the New York Jets before that and never left. He signed with the Jets, which was obviously an attractive landing spot due to Aaron Rodgers. 

Pittsburgh lost out on Williams to the Jets, but the veteran receiver hasn't been much a contributor in New York. Now, his quarterback may want to reunite with one of his former receivers in Davante Adams, who just recently requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. Pittsburgh has obviously been talked about as a trade destination for Adams, and it has been reported that Khan has checked in with the Raiders on getting a deal done.

Adams has some preferred teams that he would like to play for, and both the Jets and Steelers are on that list. He would be costly, both financially and in terms of trade compensation, however. If Pittsburgh decides they don't want to splurge on the wideout, Williams may be a cheaper option if Adams gets dealt to the Jets.

The Jets already have Garrett Wilson, who is a budding star at the receiver position in his third season. They have Allen Lazard as well, who Rodgers loves due to the time they spent together with the Green Bay Packers. Add Adams into that equation, and it becomes quite clear that Williams would be the odd man out.

Steeler Should Acquire Mike Williams If They Miss On Davante Adams

Pittsburgh obviously wants the star who has dominated the receiver position over the last decade, but if they can't land him, Williams may be a serviceable option. Williams is also only on a one-year deal, so it may be relatively cheap to trade for the wide receiver, and Pittsburgh could always sign him to a new deal following the season. 

This could happen in a few different ways. It can be a three-team trade involving the Jets, Raiders, and Steelers - or it can be two separate deals. The Raiders have said they want a package centered around a second-round pick in the trade for Adams, and the Steelers obviously wouldn't give that up in a three-team deal if they were only getting Williams. They maybe could add on a Day 3 selection. The other option is just making the trade for Williams completely separate from anything happening with Adams.

If the Steelers really want Adams, they will probably get him. Khan has lost out on too many receivers and the offense is clearly paying the price. However, if he misses out on the receiver, there is another option in New York.

What do you think of the Steelers potentially landing Williams? Do you want Adams? Let us know in the comments below!

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