Steelers May Not Target Unhappy Star Wide Receiver To Avoid Another Disaster Similar To 2024 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to have one of the most eventful and uncharacteristic offseasons in recent memory as they desperately look to get back to winning meaningful games late in the year. Last offseason, the Steelers completely reset the quarterback room, and they did so for a second consecutive year in 2025. They officially have their starting quarterback for the season, but Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons to throw the ball to. 

Prior to the Rodgers signing, Pittsburgh's first order of business was trading for DK Metcalf, who wound up eventually replacing George Pickens. Much like the 2024 offseason, the Steelers are still in need of another reliable and standout receiver, regardless of the addition of Metcalf. Many insiders predict the Steelers to add a wide receiver that has previous experience and chemistry with Rodgers next.

Although, to have any shot at competing in such a tough division and conference, Pittsburgh's next wide receiver will need to be a true difference maker, both on and off of the field. A recent report revealed that Washington Commanders' star wideout, Terry McLaurin, stepped away from the team's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as he is displeased with his current contract status. Instantly, Steelers fans were calling for the storied organization to make another wild move to pair up Metcalf with McLaurin and sign him to his desired contract. 

Almost every Steelers fan can remember how the 2024 offseason went with Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk, heading into the final year of his deal at the time, wanted a contract extension from the 49ers, who didn't seem too interested in paying him $30 million a season. The Steelers intervened and nearly pulled off the trade for Aiyuk, but seemingly wound up being used so Aiyuk could get his new contract from his current and preferred franchise. 

On Friday, insider Mark Kaboly appeared on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh and was asked if he is buying any of the speculation surrounding the Steelers and McLaurin. 

"I don't," said Kaboly. "I think it's Aiyuk waiting to happen again - just getting used to get a bigger contract. You don't want to go down that road again."

The Steelers seemed openly willing and ready to pay Aiyuk the $30 million per year that he was demanding, but the 49ers were never ready to reach that number until he was about to be shipped away. Kaboly fears if the Steelers get too serious about investing time into creating a package to receive McLaurin, that in the end, it will result the same as it did with Aiyuk and the 49ers.

Despite how the 2024 offseason unfolded, no matter what, the Steelers will need to and are expected to add another playmaker to the offense for Rodgers and Arthur Smith. It'd be unwise not to at least check in on McLaurin's availability, but they shouldn't get caught in the same situation they faced last year with Aiyuk. McLaurin is a fan-favorite and is one of the most respected players in Washington's locker room, and most would think the Commanders plan to get their situation sorted out financially. 

Steelers Paying Two Wide Receivers Big Contracts Would Be Unbelievable 

The Steelers don't commonly spend big money at the wide receiver position because of their ability to find exceptional players through the draft. The Metcalf signing was uncharacteristic, but it was a great way to secure a guaranteed weapon for the long-term future. Doing that not just once, but twice, in a single offseason would create an immense amount of excitement in the Steel City, regardless of the quarterback situation in the future. 

Do you think if the Steelers were to do all they could do to make a trade for McLaurin that it would end similarly as it did with Aiyuk in 2024? If McLaurin is an unrealistic option, who else could the Steelers potentially add? Let us know in the comments below.

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