Now that the season is over for the Steelers, it is time to look ahead and see what kind of upgrades could be out there. Plenty of their decisions about possible trade targets and signings in free agency will depend on how they envision their offense. They will have to figure out who will be manning the starting quarterback role going into next year, as it could change plenty of things this offseason.
As those decisions get made no matter if that is Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or someone else, they still need talent. Omar Khan's biggest flaw as a general manager up to this point has been the receiving core. He couldn't find a legit upgrade this past year to play opposite of George Pickens, even though he tried something by acquiring Mike Williams. They need to figure out a legit upgrade.
Steelers trade target: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
George Pickens continues to be a nuisance for the Steelers, so adding another hothead with D.K. Metcalf could be a conundrum. Right now, the Seahawks are 27 million over the cap ceiling, so they will need to find different ways to get compliant. They have a quality receiving core and seem ready for a youth movement. That could lead to Tyler Lockett and Metcalf potentially being shown the door.
They could save 18 million if they either cut or trade Metcalf with a post-June 1 designation. That would save them money now and into the future. Pittsburgh would get a talented receiver who could handle being the main guy on offense when called upon. Juggling both him and Pickens would be a difficult situation to balance. If Wilson returns at quarterback, then Metcalf makes more sense.
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Steelers trade target: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Perhaps the receiver who should be the top trade target for the Steelers if made available is Garrett Wilson. Maybe Pittsburgh would be willing to part with Pickens for a swap of Wilson. He is still a young receiver who has plenty of pedigree with his name. New York is a dumpster fire right now and might be crazy enough to take a gamble of extending Pickens before they see him play a snap.
When it comes to Wilson, he can be a top receiver on any offense in the NFL. He can play both inside and outside, which is the flexibility the Steelers haven't seen in a while. Many would want Wilson to team up with Pickens, but Pittsburgh needs to find ways of getting rid of character flaws out of their locker room like Pickens. Wilson would be a terrific addition if he becomes a trade possibility.
Steelers trade target: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
With how things went down with the 49ers and the Steelers last offseason in the Brandon Aiyuk trade saga, things could alter course. Pittsburgh wanted Aiyuk in the worst way leading up to this past campaign, but he ended up re-signing with San Francisco. With that story at a close, Pittsburgh might be willing to open trade communication again with the 49ers even though they got played last time.
Deebo Samuel hasn't had a terrific season in a couple of years. His cap number is significant for what he has been providing and that will make him available on the trade block. The 49ers are looking to shed cap space wherever they can find it with a Brock Purdy extension coming up. If they are willing to eat some of Samuel's cap hit, then it would be a cheap move for Pittsburgh to consider.