Insider Speculates Steelers Could Have Waiver Wire Target Stolen By AFC North Rival

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three games remaining in the 2025 regular season and possess a clear path to the postseason. While all that truly matters is a Week 18 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, the organization could have the AFC North wrapped up by then depending on what happens in Weeks 16 and 17. It would be a sight to see if the Steel City finally held a playoff contest for the first time since the 2020 campaign, but there is still work to be done if Head Coach Mike Tomlin wants to remove his name from the fan base's hot seat list.

Something that has seemed to have helped the Steelers in recent weeks has been the presences of veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen. While neither have put up massive numbers, Valdes-Scantling score in Week 15 and Thielen's experience may be helping when it comes to focus and intensity at practice.

Now, another veteran may find his way to Pittsburgh after Allen Lazard was released by the New York Jets. Making a successful waiver claim could lead to Scotty Miller being released, but for now, the Steelers would have to make sure that General Manager Omar Khan was actually awarded Lazard via the NFL's claims system. Insider Mike Florio has his doubts, and believes that the Ravens may ruin a potential reunion between Lazard and Aaron Rodgers. 

"The obvious speculation is that Lazard hopes to land with the Steelers and two-time former teammate Aaron Rodgers," Florio wrote. "That could prompt a competitor (like, you know, the Ravens) to claim Lazard in order to prevent Pittsburgh from getting him."

This would be quite the diabolical move from Baltimore, a team that could probably use a little bit of helping within its wide receiving corps. Time will tell, but Florio added that an AFC North sabotage may be on the table.

"That would require the Ravens to devote a spot on the 53-man roster to Lazard, which would in turn necessitate a corresponding roster move. Unless there’s someone the Ravens can place on injured reserve or are otherwise willing to waive, there wouldn’t be a spot for Lazard," Florio noted. "Still, if they want to keep the team they’ll quite possibly face in 18 days (or 17, if the game is moved to Saturday night) for the AFC North title, they’ll at least consider finding a way to make room for Lazard."

It would be pretty special for Rodgers to go on a playoff run with Valdes-Scantling and Lazard; however, that won't be able to take place if another organization claims Lazard. The Ravens have a worse record than the Steelers; thus, Baltimore would have claiming rights over Pittsburgh.

It's not exactly necessary for the Steelers to put in a claim for Lazard, but if Rodgers has any say in the matter, he will want the franchise to at least give it a shot. Familiarity is key in an NFL offense, and having another playmaker who would be on the same page as the quarterback can only help Pittsburgh down the stretch. It's likely that Lazard would adjust fairly quickly.

Steelers Don't Want To Interrupt Offensive Groove

The offense, led by Rodgers, seems to finally be finding some sort of rhythm. If the decision-makers believe that a newcomer would disrupt the flow of the unit, then it's not likely that Pittsburgh would pursue Lazard. There is no doubt, though, that Rodgers would welcome Lazard with open arms if the opportunity presented itself to get him to the Steel City. That is, if the Ravens don't try to mess it up first.

Do you think that the Steelers have interest in signing Lazard? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation