Steelers' Chances Of Adding A Speedy Receiver Before Trade Deadline No Longer Likely: "Don't See Any Real Willingness"

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a lot of eyes on them over the next few weeks as they might be a team that is looking to make an acquisition or two. With the NFL's November 4th trade deadline just over two weeks away, plenty of teams are starting to identify which players on the trade market could potentially help them on a deep run late in the season. At a record of 4-2 and sitting in first place in the AFC North, the Steelers could get aggressive over the coming days and weeks. 

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are looking for some help in the pass-catching department. Here is what he had to say recently regarding Pittsburgh possibly trading for a wide receiver at the deadline:

"The Steelers are, once again, in the market for a wide receiver, sources say. Their offense has thrived by featuring multiple tight ends, but the addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense." 

This type of move, if Steelers General Manager Omar Khan was to go through with it, would certainly fit the mold of what the organization has done since the offseason, which is go all in. They signed both future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf, as well as traded for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. With the type of veteran players and overall talent that this team possesses, it makes sense that it would get aggressive at the deadline.

However, there are some who believe that while the Steelers making a trade for a wide receiver at the deadline could happen, a trade might not happen for the reason that Rapoport suggests. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly stated Monday via Kaboly and Mack that he doesn't think the organization needs a speedy wide receiver, nor does he think the team will give up a lot of capital to get a coveted pass-catcher:

"I think (trading for a wide receiver) is a priority as in (the Steelers) would like to add somebody. How much they are willing to give up is under debate. Do they really need a speedy receiver? Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Calvin Austin are pretty speedy to me," Kaboly explained. "I don't see any real willingness to go out there and give up a third-round pick to get Chris Olave."

As Kaboly suggests, the Steelers don't need any more real speed at wide receiver seeing as Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Calvin Austin III all have 4.3 speed. Additionally, this organization is one of the wiser organizations in football. Khan and co. are likely not going to overplay their hand and trade a top pick unless the player that they are trading for warrants it. Still, it appears as though the rumors around the team making a splash for an offensive playmaker are gaining traction.

Steelers May Look To Solve Defensive Issues With More Offensive Help

Part of the reason why Pittsburgh could be looking to add another wide receiver is because they may want more offensive ammunition. This is the case because Mike Tomlin's defense has had a rough start to the 2025 season. Through the team's first six games, the defense has given up 30 or more points three times. Most recently, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals put up 33 points and 470 total yards on their AFC North rivals.

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. Furthermore, when your team has a quarterback as potent as Rodgers, adding another weapon, especially at wide receiver, may not be such a bad idea. Kaboly mentioned New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave as a possibly name that the Steelers could be interested in at the right price. If Khan was able to bring in the two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver to pair with Metcalf, that could be a game-changing move in the short and long-term for the franchise.

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