The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 4-2 after Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but injuries have left their wide receiver room in rough shape. Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are both on injured reserve, leaving Pittsburgh short on reliable options at the position.
DK Metcalf has yet to consistently establish himself as the impact WR1 the Steelers expected when they traded for him, and rookie Germie Bernard has been one of the team's most relied-upon receivers over the past two weeks.
Pittsburgh has a favorable schedule over the next two weeks, with matchups against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and the Cleveland Browns the following week before its bye. However, the offense could find itself in serious trouble if either Metcalf or Bernard goes down with an injury. The Steelers recently brought back Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad after a brief stint with the team last season, but they could still use another proven option at receiver.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, November 10, Pittsburgh has an opportunity to add another weapon to its offense. Here are some wide receivers the Steelers could target ahead of the deadline.
Wide receiver trade deadline targets that should interest the Pittsburgh Steelers
Marquise Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
One player the Steelers could look to acquire ahead of the trade deadline is former first-round pick Marquise Brown. After being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Brown has bounced around the league and signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
With the Eagles struggling and dealing with injuries, Pittsburgh could potentially find an opportunity to buy low on a receiver who hasn't been a major part of Philadelphia's offense. Brown has barely seen the field this season, recording no catches while dealing with an ankle issue. However, his lack of production could also make him an affordable option for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh likely doesn't want to take on another expensive contract or give up significant draft capital for a receiver who may only be a short-term solution. Given Brown's limited role in Philadelphia, the Eagles could be willing to move him for a late Day 3 pick rather than hold onto a player they haven't been able to use. For the Steelers, it could be a low-risk move to add another option to a depleted wide receiver room.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Another former first-round pick the Steelers could look to acquire is Quentin Johnston, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. Johnston has yet to live up to the expectations that came with being drafted in the first round, and with the Chargers sitting at 0-6, Los Angeles could look to move on from some of its players and begin rebuilding for the future.
Johnston has recorded just eight catches for 165 yards this season, making him a potential buy-low candidate for Pittsburgh. While he hasn't been particularly productive, he would give the Steelers a younger option at receiver than some of the veterans they have brought in over the past few years. At just 24 years old, Johnston could still have room to develop in a different environment.
Acquiring Johnston would likely cost Pittsburgh a late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft pick, depending on how the Chargers value him. With the Steelers needing more depth and long-term potential at wide receiver, taking a chance on a former first-round pick could be worth considering
Jauan Jennings, Minnesota Vikings
Another option the Steelers could consider is Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings. After spending his first five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Jennings signed a one-year deal with Minnesota this offseason but has barely been involved in the offense, recording just two catches for nine yards.
Jennings could be a good fit in Pittsburgh, given the type of receivers the Steelers typically look for. He's a proven veteran who could bring experience and physicality to the offense, and his familiarity with a similar offensive system could help him adjust to Mike McCarthy's scheme. With Jennings seeing such a limited role in Minnesota, the Vikings could be willing to move him for a Day 3 draft pick, giving Pittsburgh another affordable option to help its depleted receiving corps.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
The biggest name to watch ahead of the trade deadline could be Brian Thomas Jr. With the Jacksonville Jaguars currently leading the AFC South, their wide receiver room has become increasingly crowded following the emergence of Parker Washington, the addition of Jakobi Meyers, and the possibility of Travis Hunter taking on a larger role in the offense.
After a highly successful rookie season, Thomas Jr. has seemingly fallen out of favor in Jacksonville since Liam Coen took over as head coach. With his talent and rookie contract still making him an attractive asset, the Jaguars don't necessarily have to move him, but the right offer could make them reconsider. A change of scenery could also benefit Thomas Jr., potentially creating a bidding war among teams looking to add a young receiver with significant upside.
The biggest obstacle will be the asking price. As a former first-round pick coming off an impressive rookie campaign, Thomas Jr. could command a significant return, potentially a first-round pick. Realistically, it may be difficult for Jacksonville to find a team willing to give up that much, but a Day 2 pick could be enough to generate serious interest.
The Steelers have the draft capital to make a move, but the question is whether they're willing to pay the price. With significant money already committed to DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., Pittsburgh would have to weigh the long-term benefits of adding another talented receiver against the cost of acquiring him. Thomas Jr. would arguably be the biggest potential prize on the market, but landing him certainly wouldn't come cheap
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