Steelers' Trade Interest In Tyreek Hill Remains With One Big Caveat

The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot escape wide receiver trade rumors. In 2024, the team showed heavy interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and a deal may have been in place, but the wideout changed his mind at the last minute and re-signed with the team that drafted him. Pittsburgh seemingly solved its receiver problem by trading a second-round pick for DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks before the 2025 season, but a few weeks later, the team traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, creating what appeared to be another hole at receiver opposite Metcalf. Now, among some controversy, another receiver has emerged as a possible trade candidate, and Pittsburgh is rumored to be involved.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who has shown repeated interest in leaving Miami amidst a tumultuous 365 days or so, is rumored to be on the trade block. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, the Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs are two teams that are rumored to be interested in the disgruntled star. In his latest article, Florio stated that Pittsburgh is still interested, despite reports to the contrary - with one major caveat. Hill is facing potential disciple from the National Football League due to allegations of domestic violence against his estranged wife, meaning a suspension from the league is possible.

"[Hill's Allegations] hasn’t diminished the talk of a potential trade, at least as it relates to the Steelers," Florio wrote. "The concern is whether they’ll be sending a draft pick (something in the range of a third-round pick) to the Dolphins for a guy who is eventually sidelined for six or more weeks."

It's no surprise that the Steelers could be interested in a guy like Hill, as his speed and route-running would make him an enticing option opposite Metcalf. It would be a bit of a surprise, however, to see them send a third-round pick for a guy lined with controversy, especially one who is 31 years old and seemingly on the decline as far as football is concerned. For reference, the team sent a second-round pick for Metcalf, who is four years younger and in his prime.

If the team does acquire Hill, his contract only really runs through 2026, with three void years after. It would be hard to see the team extending him past that point, essentially renting him for what would be about a season and a half. There also is a team opt-out for 2026. Hill is statistically coming off the worst year of his career, making many wonder whether a trade for him would be worth it both on and off the field.

Steelers' Calvin Austin III Is On The Verge Of A Major Breakout

One reason that the team may be hesitant to make another major move at receiver is the emergence of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Austin, the team's fourth-round pick in 2022, had a career year in 2024. He caught 36 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns, all career bests. In the first game of the 2025 season, he had 70 receiving yards and a touchdown, making him look like the viable compliment to Metcalf that the team has been searching for.

Austin and Hill share a lot of similarities - both are smaller speed threats, who beat defenses by stretching the field. If Austin can have another season that's a step up from the one before, the Steelers will be thrilled - and Austin might be looking at a sizable extension.

Whoever it comes from, there's no doubt that Pittsburgh needs a major contribution from whichever receiver lines up opposite Metcalf - their offense, and their season, depends on being able to stretch the field, and getting Metcalf in one-on-one coverage will play a huge role in that.

What do you think of a potential trade for wide receiver Hill? Let us know in the comments below!

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