Pittsburgh Steelers should expect Eli Rogers in 2018, but not Martavis Bryant

Rumors have started that the Pittsburgh Steelers have placed Martavis Bryant on the trading block, and they’re likely true.

Martavis Bryant’s days in Pittsburgh are limited. The speedy receiver doesn’t fit the scheme of the offense and from watching his play in 2017, he just didn’t click with Ben Roethlisberger and the flow of the passing game.

Add on the breakout rookie season of JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Steelers are going to try everything they can to get compensation for Bryant. But for right now, they’re probably waiting it out until they can fill his shoes.

Eli Rogers is the answer to Pittsburgh’s trade situation. The slot receiver is perfect to play the third-man for the Steelers and he’s got a great connection with Big Ben. Recovering from an ACL injury, though, his chances of being back by the beginning of the season are still unknown.

He’s pushing, though. Rogers is only five weeks out of surgery and already walking without crutches. According to the wideout, he should be ready by training camp, which means the Steelers won’t need Bryant around heading into the season.

Depending on the speed of Rogers’ recovery, the Steelers could make a move with Bryant before Rogers is back. However, that will likely come down to the amount of time after the trade to when Rogers is expected to return.

It makes sense to move one of the three big names in the receiving core. Pittsburgh would never move Antonio Brown, and Smith-Schuster is only heading into his second year which makes him a better prospect for the future.

The Steelers won’t get much for Rogers if they tried to move him, but nothing worth the trade. So, Bryant is the only realistic move to make and still benefit the team.

Next: What about Johnny Football and the Steelers?

What they’ll get or when it will happen is still up in the air. Most likely before the draft, but even if it’s not, fans should expect to only see three of the four wideouts next season.