Steelers’ Omar Khan Was Right To Pass On A Big-Time WR: “They’ve Proven They Can Win”

After all of the potential hype around the idea that the Pittsburgh Steelers may make a trade for a wide receiver ahead of the NFL's November 4th trade deadline, General Manager Omar Khan decided against pulling the trigger on a major acquisition. Looking at this team through nearly the first half of the season, Khan likely felt that this team already had the right pieces, especially on offense, to win as is. Now that the deadline has passed, it has given some fans and insiders time to think about whether or not this was a smart move by Khan and the Steelers. Multiple sources revealed that Pittsburgh inquired with many teams, but the prices were seemingly too high.

For insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, this was a good decision by the organization not to add another pass-catcher on offense. The long-time reporter joined 93.7's The Fan on Wednesday morning to chat about why he felt like Khan's choice not to make a trade for a wide receiver was wise.

"Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball around so much. I don't know that there was a big need to go out and get another receiver," Fittipaldo said. "They've proven they can win in this manner. They've proven they can be a good offense in this manner. I just don't think Omar Khan felt the need to go out to add another body just for the sake of adding another body."

Especially after watching this Aaron Rodgers-led offense perform through most of the season, Pittsburgh didn't necessarily need to take a big swing for a great playmaker. They have scored 25+ points in half of their games and have scored under 20 points just one time. Rodgers, as Fittipaldo noted, has been spreading the ball around at an elite level. In the team's upset win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the four-time MVP was able to find nine different receivers. 

The week before, against the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers found nine different receivers through the air, too. While the numbers aren't world-beating, this offense has been good in a lot of situations. Rodgers (103.1 passer rating) is playing at a Pro Bowl level and has completed a pass to 13 different players on the season. Seven different players have at least 13 receptions in 2025. 

Steelers' Offense Could've Became More Predictable With Another Top WR

Again, the Steelers have plenty of useful pass-catchers that can be called upon at any given point. That is what can make this offense so hard to defend. That is why it is among the handful of offenses that are averaging at least 25.0 points per game. Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has the star wide receiver in DK Metcalf, who is close to being on pace for another 1,000-yard season, as well as a double-digit touchdown season. Smith also has a deep tight end room filled with players who can flourish in the passing game and as run-blockers. 

Then there are role players such as Calvin Austin, who is one of five players on the team averaging over 11 yards per catch. Finally, if all else fails, Rodgers can just turn around and hand the ball off to running back Jaylen Warren, who is on pace for a career year in rushing.

This unit isn't exactly the 2000 St. Louis Rams. However, it has plenty of serviceable players who perform their roles well enough. After an encouraging defensive performance against the Colts, Head Coach Mike Tomlin might be starting to get the best out of this team at the right time. Sure, it would have been nice to see Jaylen Waddle in Steelers colors. However, with what Rodgers and co. have shown on offense through eight games, perhaps it wasn't necessary. Adding a star player for a couple of draft picks would signal Pittsburgh's offensive strategy to opposing defenses. That predictability is not what you want.

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