Low cost trades Steelers should pursue during training camp
By Andrew Falce
Richie James
While the Steelers added a big and physical WR to the roster in Chase Claypool, they are still lacking a tradition slot WR to help open up the middle. While JuJu Smith-Schuster fills the role of “big slot”, that shifty over the middle threat is lacking in the Steelers passing game. As of now, their best option there is Ryan Switzer (I shudder to think), meaning that finding someone to at least compete with him would be beneficial. That’s why Richie James from the 49ers makes so much sense to add via trade for the Steelers.
James was a late-round pick out of Middle Tennessee St. but the Steelers reportable had a lot of interest in the speedy slot WR. He hasn’t done much in his time with the 49ers, catching only 15 passes over two years, but he has popped his big-play ability with the ball in his hands. For the Steelers, he would fill in as the 5th WR on the roster and be the first player off the bench for slot duties.
As well, James also is a quality return man, serving as both the punt and kick returner for the 49ers over the past few years. While he has shared that role with others on the roster, he has proven to at least be competent in that area of his game. He has clear value as a bit player and returner, but he will likely fall out of the 49ers due to the number of players they have at the position. As well, he suffered a wrist injury this offseason, likely meaning he won’t be ready for the season.
Because of this, his value is likely at rock bottom, but if the Steelers really wanted him, offering up a trade would secure him for the Steelers. My guess would be a conditional 2022 7th rounder, likely dependent on his playing time in 2021. He would have to start the season on PUP, but he should be mostly healed early in the season. Afterward, he would be a name to consider as a returner as well as a slot WR. He has a lot of positives to his game, and given the minimal investment, he would make a lot of sense for the Steelers to trade for during camp.