Report: Steelers Nearly Acquired Big Time Wide Receiver Target But GM Got Cold Feet

The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly very aggressive at the NFL's trade deadline as the organization was on the hunt to find another top-flight wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf. General Manager Omar Khan was calling teams around the league in pursuit of a potential trade, as he called teams with known disgruntled wide receivers that could be considered "sellers," while also calling teams about receivers who were not necessarily available. One of those players was Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals, and Khan was also on the phone with the Miami Dolphins.

Khan didn't wind up making any deals at the deadline aside from acquiring safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots about a week before the deadline hit. That was a needed addition as Pittsburgh is beat up at the position and has also gotten inconsistent play from its safeties at times. Wide receiver is another position the Steelers have been desperate to upgrade, and that has been the case for a little over a year. 

One player Khan was seemingly keyed in on was Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins, and according to team insider Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh almost got a deal done.

Waddle was known to potentially be available as the Dolphins were considered clear "sellers" at the trade deadline after a horrific start to the 2025 season. Miami had mutually parted ways with its former general manager not long before the trade deadline, and dealing with an interim GM probably made things more difficult for Khan. It would be a bold move by an interim GM to trade away a team's star wide receiver, and he was probably not ready to deal with the backlash of a decision like that.

Waddle would have been a good addition for the Steelers, as unlike other receivers that were said to be available at the deadline, he is under contract all the way through the 2028 season. Other wide receivers on expiring deals would have been risky for Pittsburgh to pursue as those players would be considered rentals since Pittsburgh would not likely extend them during the season, and the organization would be at risk of giving up significant draft capital for just half a season of a player's services.

Waddle has been very productive in Miami despite dealing with questionable quarterback play. He began his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, but he has struggled to get back in that groove as he couldn't even crack 750 yards in 2024 while missing just two games. Through nine games in 2025, the wide receiver has hauled in 41 passes for 586 yards and four touchdowns. He would have been great to pair with Metcalf, but Pittsburgh missed out as Miami seemingly could not go through with the deal.

Steelers Would Have Had To Give Up Significant Draft Capital To Land Jaylen Waddle

It is hard to say how much the Steelers would have had to give up to land Waddle, but it is fair to assume that it probably would have cost a second-round pick at the least. The player already being under contract would help Miami in negotiations, and the Steelers probably would have had to give up more than the lone second-round pick the franchise gave up to land Metcalf during the 2025 offseason. 

Waddle would have been a great addition to Pittsburgh, but it would have been a risky move by Khan as the receiver could have warranted a first-round selection. The Steelers are confident in the receivers already on the roster, but this move would have improved the team significantly.

What do you think about the Steelers nearly landing Waddle at the deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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