The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't disguised their desperation to add wide receiver talent via trade. After their reported deal with the 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk fell through, Omar Khan tried to get in on the Davante Adams sweepstakes, but to no avail.
Now the clock is ticking as we count down the days to the 2024 NFL trade deadline. By November 5 at 4:00 p.m. ET, the trade window closes and the Steelers will be stuck with what they have at the wide receiver position.
Before that happens, we expect several bottom-dwelling teams to be open to moving players before the deadline. Here are six last-minute trade options Steelers could explore.
Jonathan Mingo, Panthers
Here's a name that isn't often talked about but one that would make sense for both parties involved. Jonathan Mingo was the 39th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but after the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette in the first round, Mingo has fallen out of favor in Carolina.
As a result, Mingo hasn't earned more than 3 receptions or 40 yards in any game entering Week 8. In Weeks 6 and 7, the young receiver combined for just one reception and one yard.
At 6'2'' and 220 pounds, Mingo is a big receiver with 4.46 speed. He could be a good fit with the Steelers at an affordable price.
Cooper Kupp, Rams
Of all the possible remaining wide receiver trade options, Cooper Kupp is the one who would move the needle the most for the Steelers. Kupp was once the most productive WR in the NFL, but injuries have gotten in the way since 2022.
Now healthy and ready to rock, Kupp would be a go-to target Russell Wilson could take advantage of often. He has an unlimited route tree, is good in traffic, and offers yards after the catch ability. Kupp is a 31-year-old receiver and Pittsburgh would need to give up a Day 2 draft pick to acquire him, but it's worth it for a team trying to capitalize on a window.
Jakobi Meyers, Raiders
After trading Davante Adams to the Jets, it seems unlikely the Raiders would be willing to part with their best remaining receiver. At the same time, we know this team is in desperate need of a franchise quarterback and tanking isn't out of the question.
Meyers is a well-rounded receiver who has been underrated throughout his career. While he's not a top-flight option you can funnel targets through, he serves as a quality WR2 and would be a significant upgrade over Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin for Pittsburgh.
Christian Kirk, Jaguars
One of the more expensive WR options who could be up for grabs is Christian Kirk. The Jaguars' receiver earned 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 and had a productive season last year despite missing five games and playing through injuries.
With Jacksonville tied for the worst record in the NFL, they are essentially eliminated from playoff contention this year. Kirk has a big contract and wouldn't be the perfect fit for what the Steelers need, but he would instantly be better than any WR in Pittsburgh not named George Pickens. Omar Khan would likely have to fork up a Day 2 draft pick to poach Kirk from the Jags.
Gabe Davis, Jaguars
If the Steelers wanted a wide receiver option the Jaguars would essentially give away, it's Gabe Davis. The veteran wide receiver hasn't lived up to expectations since leaving the Bills and he's set to have a $17.2 million cap hit next season.
Personally, I'm not a fan of this option, and the dissatisfying contract makes it even less appealing. The Steelers could cut him next offseason if things don't work out, but the Jags should almost give Pittsburgh a late-round pick if they were willing to take on his deal.
Kendrick Bourne, Patriots
I'm not a fan of scraping the bottom of the barrel for the Patriots' leftovers at wide receiver, but Kendrick Bourne has been a respectable player in the past. In 2021, Bourne was an 800-yard receiver, but those days are in the rearview mirror.
Bourne has since been demoted by New England and he's hardly been involved this year. The Patriots probably wouldn't ask for much in return, but Bourne wouldn't move the needle at all and the Steelers need a bigger splash.