Steelers And 1 Of 3 Wide Receiver Trade Targets Make Near-Perfect Sense

It's anybody's guess as to what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do in the 2025 offseason when it comes to wide receiver George Pickens. Disgruntled probably isn't the right word to use when discussing the 2022 second-round pick, but it's impossible to ignore the controversy that comes along with him being in the locker room. Whether the team decides to trade him or not remains to be seen, but it's quite possible that he is playing for another franchise in 2025. To make the offense more dynamic, the front office is going to need to have an extremely active offseason.

General Manager Omar Khan tried everything in his power to land a big-name wide receiver throughout 2024, and it ended with Pittsburgh finally acquiring Mike Williams from the New York Jets. Unfortunately, the veteran did next to nothing for the Steelers. This has led to criticism and calls for the organization to be more efficient on the offensive side of the ball in 2025. There are going to be some offers to make with many pass-catchers potentially on the trade block.

1.) Christian Kirk - Jacksonville Jaguars

It's no secret that Pittsburgh was close to trading for Christian Kirk prior to the trade deadline, but a broken collarbone shortly before ended his season. A lot has changed for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and there will be a new head coach and general manager, but Kirk's contract is still significant. With Brian Thomas Jr. emerging during his rookie season, it's absolutely still possible that the Jaguars shop Kirk.

He wouldn't be looked at as some star number one wideout, but he would, without a doubt, upgrade the room. If Pickens stays around and Kirk comes into play with an early draft selection, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, the room suddenly gets much more formidable. Given his recent injury and contract, the asking price for Kirk might be much less than it was just prior to the deadline.

2.) Tyreek Hill - Miami Dolphins

Why would the Steelers go from one problematic wide receiver to another? Well, Tyreek Hill remains as one of the most elusive pass-catchers in the NFL. He may have a strong personality, but his speed opens up more of the field for the offense than the simple deep threat capability of Pickens. He was vocal after the Miami Dolphins' last game of 2024, so his name will be involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Khan could certainly find him an intriguing target.

Hill is in the latter half of his career, but still managed to haul in 81 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, with plenty of inconsistencies at quarterback. He had four-straight 1,000-yard seasons prior. He immediately makes a defense think twice and is a matchup nightmare because of his speed. With his age and contract, it also may not take as much as some think to bring him to the Steel City.

3.) DK Metcalf - Seattle Seahawks

While Russell Wilson may depart in free agency, Pittsburgh could go after Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. It's no secret that Metcalf has also had his fair share of issues on the sideline, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin may be the right leader for him. Metcalf is under contract through 2025 and has a massive cap hit, but any trade would likely include an extension that lowered his overall number for the 2025 campaign.

At 27 years old, he still has plenty of great football left in him. Having Metcalf and Pickens in the same locker room, however, is unlikely. If Khan and the Steelers were to acquire the Seahawks wideout, Pickens being dealt to Seattle, or elsewhere, would probably come along with it.

Steelers Need To Get Out Of Defense-First Mindset In 2025 Offseason

Eight of the top 10 players taking up Pittsburgh's cap space are on the defensive side of the ball. A tight end and offensive lineman are currently the only two players on offense that are a part of that group. That needs to change moving forward if the team wants a shot in a loaded AFC. Whether it's Pickens, another wide receiver, or both, Khan needs to empty his pockets in 2025, specifically in relation to the offense. The Steelers need more play-makers, and that is no secret.

Do you think that the Steelers will trade for a wide receiver before the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!

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