If The Steelers Trade For This Once Explosive Receiver It Could Leave Them With Another Hole To Fill

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of areas of need that were exposed during the string of losses that closed out the 2024 season. One of the most significant needs also happens to be the one that is most frustrating for fans, and that's at wide receiver. The Steelers traded Diontae Johnson before the 2024 campaign, and fans waited anxiously to see who the team would bring on to partner with George Pickens. Despite Head Coach Mike Tomlin insisting that they were satisfied with the depth pieces they brought in to work with Pickens, fans weren't optimistic.  

They were right to worry; defenses quickly figured out that if they shut down Pickens, there wouldn't be many other weapons to worry about. Now, questions are being raised about the team's plans for Pickens, and this leaves them desperate to address the wide receiver room during the 2025 offseason. They are once again being linked to every receiver in the league who is even remotely available. 

One receiver who is expected to be on a new team in 2025 is Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. He has been granted permission from the team to seek a trade, and according to Adam Schefter from ESPN, the Steelers are considered a top landing spot. While there are still many moving parts regarding both Samuel's future and the receiver market as a whole, it is not surprising that Pittsburgh might be considering him. 

Reporter, Christopher Carter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently spoke with The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan and was asked about the possibility of Samuel coming to the Steel City and if he makes sense opposite of Pickens. 

"He would, but here's the thing, he would need to be coupled with another player," Carter explained. "I don't think Deebo Samuel is the same Deebo Samuel that he was two years ago if we were talking about a trade then. He's had a lot of injuries; he's 29 years old, and he is a player who, in Arthur Smith's offense, can be one of those utility guys that moves around a lot. You know Art Smith loves to pitch it to guys in weird situations and maybe he could make it work in that way. I think, at this stage, if you're getting Deebo Samuel, that needs to be coupled with either getting a high rookie draft pick or signing or trading for another top wide receiver. I think Deebo Samuel, if you're keeping George Pickens, is a wide receiver three option."

Samuel was selected by the 49ers in the second round in 2019 and quickly became an impact player. San Francisco schemed plays that took advantage of not just his hands, but his ability to run. Unfortunately, despite his talent, his career has been hampered by injuries, and he is coming off one of his most disappointing seasons. Pittsburgh's 2024 trade target, Brandon Aiyuk, was injured early in the season, and the expectation was that Samuel would fill the void, but that didn't happen.  

Carter said that given the downturn in Samuel's production and the injuries, the Steelers would have to partner him with another strong receiver like Courtland Sutton or Tee Higgins. Pittsburgh did draft Roman Wilson in 2024, but he missed nearly the entire season with injuries. 

Steelers Pickens' Future Uncertain

Pickens has worn out his welcome mat with many fans who expected his behavior to improve when Johnson left. It didn't, and in fact, his antics seemed to escalate. He was seen fighting with opponents, challenging fans and pouting. 

His talent is never in question, but it is no longer enough to ignore his actions. The Steelers could trade him; however, that would leave them with multiple receiver spots open, and fans have already seen how hard it is to fill them. The team may have to hope that Pickens is able to mature some during the offseason. 

Do you think the Steelers will try to trade for Samuel? Tell us what you think below. 

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