Steelers' Chances Of Landing 1 More Impact Player Ruined After Odd Trade By Saints

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it clear throughout the 2025 offseason that the end to the 2024 campaign was far from acceptable. The team moved on from key players such as Minkah Fitzpatrick and George Pickens, while indulging in several roster moves to revamp the roster. There will be a lot of pressure on the franchise to win early on in 2025, and wide receiver DK Metcalf will be a big part of the offense's success. He won't be able to do it alone; however, which is why the fan base has continued to pester the organization about making one more big move.

Trade rumors have continued to swirl despite the fact that General Manager Omar Khan has led, arguably, the most aggressive front office since March. Adding one more top pass-catching weapon could be what turns the Steelers into a legitimate threat in the AFC. The price would have to be right, which is why after Wednesday's NFL news, it's unlikely that anything will get done for Pittsburgh.

There were several trades made throughout the league on Wednesday, but one especially stood out when it comes to the wide receiver market. The New Orleans Saints acquired Devaughn Vele from the Denver Broncos for fourth- and seventh-round selections.

This is so shocking because, with all due respect to Vele, he was a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Broncos were able to somehow get a fourth-rounder out of the Saints (plus more), which signals that teams around the NFL are desperate for help at wide receiver. The Steelers won't cave to a steep price for any acquisition, so the odds of Khan pulling the trigger on a deal for a big name like Terry McLaurin immediately plummeted once this move was reported.

It remains more likely that the Steelers will add a pass-catcher via free agency, but the options are becoming thinner by the day. With the trade market appearing to take a drastic turn, other organizations may look to bring in free agents, making the competition more steep. Pittsburgh is currently going through an interesting process with Calvin Austin III, who was supposed to be the number two option. However, he hasn't practiced in weeks due to injury.

It will be interesting to see what the Steelers decide to do after the final preseason game of the year on Thursday evening. Rosters cut down from 90 to 53 on Tuesday, so it would be expected that the franchise would add a receiver prior to that occurring. No one has ever known what Khan is thinking on the inside, which is why nothing should shock the fan base anymore. It's hard to imagine at this point, though, that a trade will commence after the overpay by New Orleans for Vele.

Steelers' Offense Will Be Key To Team's Success Or Lack Thereof During 2025 Season

Pittsburgh is expected to have a stout defense once again, but the most important part to becoming a threat in the AFC will be the formidability of the offense. There are plenty of new faces, but it remains to be seen if a subpar receiving corps can get the job done. It's why an addition it still possible, but there are not many options left. On top of that, a fourth-rounder for someone like Vele means a more established pass-catcher will generate a haul in any deal.

Do you think that the Steelers are going to add a wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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