The NFL trade deadline is coming up, and while we have seen teams begin to ship away players with their eyes on the future, there should be a handful of other names that ultimately get dealt. There is heavy speculation that the Steelers will be buyers at the deadline, and in particular, they may have their eye on some receiver help.
While I think an upgrade to the second receiver would be welcomed, some names are being reported that just don’t make any sense. Like it or not, this team doesn’t look like a Super Bowl contender right now, and just improving the receiver room won’t get them there. There isn’t a name available that suddenly makes this offense elite.
Because of this, I think it isn’t wise to dedicate a lot of resources to players who would likely only be around for the remainder of this season before becoming a free agent or a cap casualty because of their contract.
There is a fine line of receivers that makes sense for the team. That said, these three names that have been speculated on would be mistakes to add.
Steelers should avoid Treylon Burks
I really liked Treylon Burks coming out of Arkansas a few seasons ago, but his NFL career hasn’t lived up to his college hype. He was supposed to be the next “running back in a receiver body” but his lack of athleticism is apparent when matched up against pro players. He can’t separate on deep passes and lacks the ability to get significant yards after the catch.
I get the appeal of taking a shot on a former first-round pick who still has some time on his rookie deal, but I just don’t see the point. He wouldn’t improve upon the second receiver spot in any way, so you are looking at a depth player only. Add in his injury and a deal for him makes no sense, even if the compensation was cheap.
This also goes for the other struggling young receivers such as Velvus Jones and Jalin Hyatt. Even if they are cheap, they don’t move the needle.
Steelers should avoid Adam Thielen
Of the three names on this list, I like Adam Thielen the most, and think that if moved, he would have the most success. The simple reason is that, while older, he is a natural route runner who knows how to get open. He doesn’t rely on speed to win, so his age shouldn’t concern fans as much as others.
So why should he be avoided? For starters, injuries have limited him this season, and that is a concern you should have with someone his age. He is also primarily a slot receiver at this point in his career, and that isn’t a position that has been heavily used in this offense. Add in the fact that when a slot receiver is out there, it is usually Calvin Austin, I just don’t think the fit is right this year even if the asking price is low.
Steelers should avoid DeAndre Hopkins
It seems like fans have gravitated toward DeAndre Hopkins as their receiver savior, as he is the last big name left to be targeted. Unfortunately, based on his recent level of play, Hopkins isn’t the receiver that he once was. He can still win with his physicality and route running, but his skills are clearly declining.
Based on the rumors though, Hopkins will likely fetch the most in terms of draft picks. As stated before, the Steelers aren’t in a position to give up significant capital for a rental at receiver in a year when they likely aren’t going to compete for a Super Bowl. If the Titans are willing to trade him for pennies on the dollar, this will be another story, but if they want anything significant, the Steelers need to steer clear.
Update: DeAndre Hopkins has been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.