Saying you want a clear upgrade to the receiver position is one thing; actually putting that into practice is another. It won't be easy for the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire a clear upgrade this offseason, but they will have different opportunities. They have free agency, the NFL Draft, and the trade market to help their offense. Omar Khan must land a quality offensive weapon sometime soon.
Fans will be on the lookout for potential options that become available this offseason, and a new opportunity might have just presented itself.
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles recently made some interesting comments about star receiver DJ Moore. While he didn't paint the receiver in a negative light, he certainly didn't produce optimism regarding the player's future in Chicago.
ESPN's Courtney Cronin relayed Poles' comments, "We want him here. We thinking highly of him … But this is the time now where we have to look at all the scenarios that will allow us to put the best team out there…he’s a guy we want here but we have to look at all the scenarios.”
That could be a hint by thePoles that Moore could be on the trade block this offseason. It could be another option for Khan and the Steelers to consider. Moore is a quality receiver with a strong resume heading into his ninth season in the NFL. He isn't getting any younger, but a pairing of DK Metcalf and Moore could be the type of duo Pittsburgh has been begging for.
Pittsburgh Steelers should be cautious in a trade for explosive WR DJ Moore this offseason
The biggest hurdle in any potential Moore trade is his sizable contract. Chicago signed the veteran wide receiver to a lucrative deal worth $110 million in 2024 that runs through the 2029 season. That means Pittsburgh would be paying Moore top dollar until the playmaker is 33 years old. Paying a receiver that much outside of his prime is risky.
A trade could still be possible, even with some warning signs.
Khan is desperate to find a quality partner for Metcalf to tandem with, and Moore could present a good option to pursue. Attaching yourself to that massive cap hit for the next three years would be a gamble, but Khan is a cap guru. He might still find a way out of the deal if needed, despite the huge amount of guaranteed money. Sometimes the biggest risks provide the best rewards.
READ MORE: Steelers’ blockbuster George Pickens trade looks more lopsided by the day
Chicago might be ready to move on from Moore after Poles' latest comments. They have some younger receivers who are cheaper that could help their offense without the veteran playmaker in the fold. Trading away a costly contract to make room for more affordable, younger talent is always a sound strategy, which appears to be Chicago’s goal.
Khan cannot go into a potential trade for Moore without trying to see if Chicago would be willing to retain some money on the receiver's cap hit.
He costs a lot of money, and will be 29 by the start of next season. While the veteran has a proven track record, his age and massive contract should make the Steelers nervous. It's not a terrible option, but Khan can't pay a steep price.