Steelers Likely Out Of WR Trade Market: "I Wouldn't Hold My Breath"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the summer of the 2025 offseason and still have holes across their roster that many have questions on. Steeler Nation probably shouldn't expect any direct answers to how those holes will be filled, at least not any time soon. 

Coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers appeared to have filled a lot of their needs across the roster and the team had a lot of optimism around it. However, that was short-lived as the team elected to trade away wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a third-round pick. 

It became clear that Pickens wasn't a part of the team's long term plans, and more has come out about some key players having issues with his personality in the locker room. That being said, trading Pickens away did appear to leave the Steelers wide receiver room in a similar position as 2024, with one alpha (DK Metcalf), and a supporting cast that doesn't instill a ton of confidence. 

Many hoped that the Steelers were going to be adding to the now short handed wide receiver room, but according to Gerry Dulac, that addition will likely not be via trade. In his weekly chat, he was asked what draft capital the Steelers would be willing to give up for a wide receiver. Dulac made it clear it wouldn't be much, if any. 

"They wouldn't give up more than a fifth-round pick if they did. But I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you waiting for that to happen."

That isn't what many will want to hear, as sitting tight with the current wide receiver room could result in another year of a stagnant offense. There is a little glimmer of hope this year compared to last year, despite it being a similar situation. 

The team spent a third-round pick in 2024 on wide receiver Roman Wilson, and he is essentially a new addition to the group this season as he missed pretty much all of the 2024 season due to injuries. Calvin Austin III is also entering his third NFL season and expected to take another step forward. Austin and Wilson aren't the solutions many want to hear for solving this 'problem', but it is the most likely outcome. 

Both of these young wide receivers have been given votes of confidence and the team is expecting them to play a big part in the offense this upcoming season. Wilson did receive a decent amount of hype during the draft process as a rising prospect, and there was a lot of optimism around the pick last year. 

A clean bill of health is key for Wilson in 2025, and another step from Austin should cement him as a staple in the Steelers offense week in and week out. Whether the combination of them can provide the needed success in the passing game however, will be unknown until we see it live in season. 

Steelers Have Options On Free Agent Market If They Do Not Trading For Wide Receiver

While at this moment it appears unlikely the team will make a move for a wide receiver via trade, there are still a few veteran wide receivers on the free agent market that could be options. Just recently the Jacksonville Jaguars released Gabe Davis, and his big play ability would add another layer to the Steelers offense as a consistent deep threat. Plus, Davis has torched the Steelers in the past so they have seen what he can do to an elite defense first hand. 

Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper are the other two veteran options with proven track records, but it appears their best seasons are behind them as they both posted one of their worst statistical seasons in their respective careers in 2024. Even with that being said, the consistency both could provide in a locker room with mostly younger talent could still be beneficial. 

Should the Steelers elect to sign one of these players, it is likely that it would push either Austin or Wilson to more of a reserved role for this season. Overall, Dulac's words are not a great sign moving forward. 

Do you think the Steelers should trade for a wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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