With roughly $15.75 million in cap space to their name, the Pittsburgh Steelers could make some impactful deals before the NFL trade deadline arrives on November 10. It will be interesting to see how the club approaches some of its weakest positions on the roster.
With a slew of injuries recently and disappointing play even when healthy, the Steelers could use an upgrade to the wide receiver position via trade.
There could be several interesting options who hit the trade block before the deadline comes and goes. Pittsburgh should be investigating their options, especially since Michael Pittman Jr. has become a massive disappointment this season. They're starting to rely on some unproven players out of necessity, and that should trigger Omar Khan to get into bold trade negotiations.
Pittsburgh Steelers need to target these wide receivers this season before the trade deadline
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
It doesn't make sense for the Jaguars to trade Brian Thomas Jr. if they truly want to push for contention this season, but he has remained in the rumor mill for a while. He has also been connected to the Steelers in prior trade speculation. Landing Thomas Jr. might be the home run acquisition Khan has been searching for. The young wide receiver is also under contract control until 2029.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a couple of seasons marked with injury, it seems that Chris Godwin's prime might be over.
That being said, he would be a fantastic addition for Pittsburgh before the trade deadline. He is a proven playmaker and someone who can jump into the top spot if needed. Godwin hasn't played a full season since 2023, so the two years remaining on his contract could put a wrench in trade talks.
Jauan Jennings, Minnesota Vikings
If the Black and Gold are searching for a proven commodity that would be a pure rental, Jauan Jennings makes a ton of sense. He can slide around offensive formations, and his blocking ability is one of the best in the league. Jennings is someone who should fit well into the Steelers' offense. He shouldn't cost much to acquire, and the Steelers have the cap space to swing a deal for Jennings.
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns
Making an inter-division trade work is tough, and it only gets more difficult when it's two AFC North teams discussing a move.
The Browns are trying to compete this season, but their younger wide receivers could push Jerry Jeudy out of the picture in a hurry. Jeudy can be a top receiver, but he's better off being a second option. He is a speedy playmaker who could add a new wrinkle to the Steelers' offensive attack.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
Besides Brian Thomas Jr., the Steelers' top target should be Jordan Addison. He might not be a top option for an NFL offense, but he's a great choice to elevate the wide receiver room. He played most of his college football at the University of Pittsburgh, thus connecting the player and the city. Addison would be a bold move by the Steelers, but it would show they truly plan on competing this year.
Calvin Ridley. Tennessee Titans
Another name that has been brought up in trade chatter around the Steelers in the past is Calvin Ridley.
He would bring a massive contract with him, but he has proven to be a quality weapon in the past. Ridley would be another massive gamble by Pittsburgh. It would be another aging wide receiver on an expensive contract, and the team would hope to find a rebound following the trade deadline.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
It's shocking how quickly the Chargers' season fell apart, but that should make Quentin Johnston available via trade. He is a massive target but has shown issues with dropping the ball throughout his career. The wide receiver is under contract through 2027, and someone the Steelers could use to help boost their team. Perhaps a change of scenery will fix his slow start to the campaign.
