Steelers Encouraged To Make 1 Massive Trade To Become Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense hasn’t been the problem in the 2025 season. It’s been the defense, which is far from what many pundits expected. Many assumed that the Steelers’ highly paid and talented defensive unit would be one of the best in the NFL. Through the first six games, that hasn’t been the case, as evidenced by Thursday night’s 470-yard performance allowed to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Despite the struggles on the defensive side of the ball, the focus around the team is shifting to the trade deadline. Many experts believe General Manager Omar Khan needs to make a move to strengthen the offense, specifically by acquiring a wide receiver. The Steelers’ passing game has been solid, but adding another weapon could elevate the team into true Super Bowl contention, especially with the defense failing to meet expectations.

Former Steelers defensive back Bryant McFadden appeared on CBS on Tuesday, offering his thoughts on what the team needs to do to become legitimate Super Bowl contenders. McFadden emphasized that while improving the defense would be ideal, the most realistic and impactful move right now would be targeting a proven wide receiver. With the trade deadline approaching, his comments have sparked conversations among fans and analysts about whether the Steelers are willing to make a bold move.

"If you look at what Aaron Rodgers has been doing right now, without major playmakers at the wide receiver unit, you add Chris Olave, with the tight end production they've been getting along with what DK Metcalf has been doing, along with Calvin Austin, they could be major players in January football," McFadden said Tuesday on CBS Sports HQ. "That has been an issue for Pittsburgh in January football, the lack of playmakers."

McFadden is encouraging the Steelers to make a trade with the New Orleans Saints to land star wide receiver Chris Olave. When healthy, Olave is one of the top playmakers in the game. 

Adding him alongside DK Metcalf and the Steelers’ tight end room—Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington—along with the rest of the depth in the offense, is the move McFadden believes could make the Steelers legitimate contenders in playoff football.

"When you look at the big red machine in playoff time, you better have guys that can score points," McFadden said. "And the big red machine is the Kansas City Chiefs. Did you not see what their playmakers did yesterday with a full arsenal of pass catchers? If you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, the issue for them has been the inability to score points in what? Playoff time."

The Steelers have experienced a significant playoff drought for almost a decade. Head Coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. He certainly feels that pressure and knows the fan base is desperate to see the team end that drought.

Steelers Are Expected To Be Very Active As Trade Deadline Approaches Quickly

The NFL trade deadline is on November 4th. That means if the Steelers are going to act on any of these trade rumors, they’ll have to do it before that date. Many pundits believe Khan will be active on the phones trying to improve the roster. 

The Steelers are expected to be very active as the trade deadline rapidly approaches. Obviously, pulling off a trade for a young, talented wide receiver like Olave would be a massive move. However, it’s one that is starting to gain some steam.

Do you agree with Bryant McFadden that the Steelers need to make a trade for wide receiver Chris Olave? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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