Steelers Trading for 1 Big Name Receiver Would "Make Sense"

Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers have a hole at wide receiver, it doesn't seem like they will be quick to pull a trigger on any notable deal until a decision is made at the quarterback position. There are still questions about what Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph could do at the NFL level in 2025, but it still makes sense to make sure either player is given the best chance possible to succeed. The quicker a choice is finalized, the sooner the front office can properly supplement the 2025 starter with a new weapon that fits his strengths. 

While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the Steelers' urgency with bringing in a receiver, especially "one of Aaron Rodgers' super-friends." Fittipaldo did like the idea of going that route whenever a deal finally gets done.

"Well, it would make sense," said Fittipaldo. [Allen] Lazard has a very manageable contract, I think $2.5 million for the 2025 season if they want to deal a late-round pick for him, see if the Jets are interested. Not that you have to do everything that Aaron Rodgers wants, but I do think it would make some sense; if he wants Allen Lazard on the team and he doesn't want a Gabe Davis or a Keenan Allen, I think it makes all the sense in the world to go out and make him happy."

Ever since the idea of Rodgers going to Pittsburgh started gaining traction, the Steelers were linked to all of his good friends. After they cut the 41-year-old, the New York Jets arguably lost any reason to keep Allen Lazard around, so they would likely be more than happy to trade him away for anything they can get. The trade just makes too much sense for the Black and Gold if they bring in the former MVP. 

However, the deal would have to be very cheap for the Steelers. In Lazard's only year in New York with Rodgers, he had 37 receptions in just 12 games. That's an average of roughly one reception per game more than the Steelers' previous WR2s. While he would be a quality depth option that has chemistry, he still may not be the best option to play across DK Metcalf for most of the snaps in every single game. 

Rodgers' previous top option, Davante Adams, was already signed to a big-time contract in the 2025 offseason. The Steelers already missed out on him, and there's no way that they could realistically trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire him. Meanwhile, Randall Cobb has not played since 2023. If Pittsburgh wants to get one of Rodgers' favorite wideouts, Lazard is the only logical option. 

Steelers Are Low On Solid Options In General

Whether it's Rudolph or Rodgers starting in 2025, there are not many options available for Pittsburgh to sign or reasonably trade for. The best free agents currently available are arguably Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper. Allen is a slot guy, which the Steelers don't necessarily need, and Cooper had a very rough 2024 season, which would make him more of a veteran presence than a regular contributor, similar to Lazard. 

Even then, many Steelers don't want Rodgers or Lazard on the team. They enter Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with the same questions at the position that they had last year, except they made a couple of big moves to get to that spot. The team's best course of action may be to see what untapped potential they have currently. 

If Roman Wilson can stay healthy, the Steelers will give him plenty of chances to thrive and develop. The third-round pick in 2024 only saw a handful of snaps in one game, but hopefully he learned a lot in the equivalent of a redshirt season. Calvin Austin III essentially took over as the WR2 during that season, and he did decent. 

What do you think about the Steelers trading for Lazard to appease Rodgers? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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