The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again being linked to nearly every wide receiver in the league that is not nailed down. That includes some names which are familiar from the 2024 offseason, like Davante Adams, Christian Kirk, and Deebo Samuel. While some of those players might be a longshot for one reason or another, one who seemed like a solid fit was Samuel.
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Deebo Samuel runs the ball in a game for the San Francisco 49ers.
However, reports recently revealed that Samuel might be a bit more expensive than the Steelers want to spend. That was apparently true because news broke recently that a trade has been made. The Washington Commanders have received Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round pick. That sounds like a great deal on the surface. However, the Commanders will owe Samuel, who is 29, his entire $17.55 million salary in 2025.
Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show recently told The Fan Morning Show on 93.7 The Fan that he doesn't feel like the Steelers missed out on this trade. Of course, that is easy to say when there is no way to know whom they will wind up with. Last offseason, fans firmly believed a significant trade or signing was coming right up until the 11th hour, and then, it ended with Mike Williams.
"We will have to figure this out in about two weeks," explained Kaboly. "Right now, I am not going to say that because you don't know what's in their plans. If they are able to get a guy cheaper, better, younger, more in shape, better fit, then no, they didn't miss out. Right now, I would like to have him, but what's he making $18 [million] and a fifth? Yeee... that's a bit much. If they were able to eat some of that money, then maybe."
Samuel will join Terry McLaurin as a weapon for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 49ers cleared up some cap space as they have other needs, like re-signing their quarterback, Brock Purdy. The Commanders could consider extending Samuel if they are confident in his ability to help the team.
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Commanders' Jayden Daniels.
The Steelers will have to continue to search for their wide receiver two (WR2) elsewhere. Hopefully, they learned a lesson after the 2024 season and won't try once again to enter a season with just George Pickens as the only true and reliable option at wideout. While Pickens is undeniably talented, his antics got in the way of his and the team's success. In addition, opposing defenses quickly figured out he was the only consistent weapon and shut him down.
Steelers Should Still Look To The Draft
While many insiders believe the Steelers will still attempt to nab one of these veteran receivers in free agency, they are also expected to look to the draft. Other than Pickens and possibly Calvin Austin III, the receiving corps needed much help. They will get Roman Wilson back, last year's draft pick who missed most of the season, and hope he is as good as an extra pick this season.
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine just wrapped up, and the Steelers met with several receivers while there. They have been linked to Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III, Matthew Golden, and even Elic Ayomanor from Stanford.
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Buckeyes' Emeka Egbuka stands with his hands on his hips during a home game in Ohio.
Fans debate what position the Steelers should prioritize in the first round, but it will likely depend on how this draft plays out. Egbuka, who was a standout for Ohio State, is considered pro-ready after helping win a National Championship at the end of the 2024 season.
This draft abounds with quality players who will be starters in the NFL. However, it seems to lack the kind of high-end talent that will likely be All-Pros. This means that there is a good chance Egbuka, Burden, or Golden could be there when the Steelers pick at 21.
Given the deal the Commanders got, do you think the Steelers missed out on Samuel? Tell us what you think below!
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