According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the Pittsburgh Steelers could have plenty of receiver options to target before the NFL trade deadline. He lists four different names who could help upgrade the weapons on the Steelers offense.
He felt inclined to mention he wouldn't be surprised if Omar Khan didn't target an upgrade on defense instead of offense, since their defensive unit has struggled beyond expectations.
If the Steelers target a receiver before the trade deadline, it wouldn't shock anyone to see some of the names listed by Graziano become available. The players mentioned are from the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans. Each of them is expected to be near the bottom of the standings once the season is completed. They could be perfect negotiating partners.
Insider reveals receivers for Pittsburgh Steelers' GM Omar Khan to target via trade
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
Jakobi Meyers requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason over a contract dispute, but they denied his request. The Raiders are a team that could compete this season, but they sit at a 1-2 record through three weeks. If they continue on their current pathway of losing, they could decide to sell off some assets before the trade deadline.
Meyers would be a terrific addition to the Steelers' offense, which continues to struggle without a consistent second receiver option opposite of DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh could use someone with Meyers' talent. Odds are he would only be a rental, as his next contract will pay him handsomely. His addition would show that Khan believes in his team and expects them to make some noise.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
Two receivers of the Saints make the list here from Graziano, and Rashid Shaheed is the lesser-known talent. New Orleans was predicted to be terrible this season, and thus far, they are living up to those expectations. They sit at a 0-3 record, and odds are, things won't get any better. Expect their rebuilding franchise to be sellers before the trade deadline passes.
Shaheed isn't the exact superstar acquisition the fanbase has been begging for, but he would be a solid choice. He is a speedy guy who can help open up things down the field. He has some versatility to his game and could provide new wrinkles to Pittsburgh's offense. Shaheed is also a fantastic returner, which the Steelers have become more desperate for in recent weeks.
READ MORE: These Steelers have failed to meet expectations through 3 weeks
Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
The other Saints option listed in this speculative article is Chris Olave. He has been the top receiver for the team since his rookie campaign in 2022. He has been rumored to be traded to Pittsburgh in past trade speculation, but nothing materialized. If Khan called New Orleans about acquiring Olave in the past, you better believe the Steelers will try once again.
Based on talent alone, Olave is probably the best receiver listed by Graziano.
The issue plaguing the star player has been his injury concerns. He has missed plenty of time due to concussions throughout his young NFL career. He has suffered at least one per season, which included two last year. Olave would be an injury risk, but if the Steelers can trade for him at a reasonable price, he would be a splash addition.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
Pittsburgh's boldest trade addition could be Calvin Ridley. He still has two more years on his expensive contract beyond this season. That being said, he could become a cap casualty and save the team $13.73 million this offseason, or $22.25 million in 2027. It would be a massive "swing for the fences" moment for Khan, especially at Ridley's age. It could always backfire.
Depending on the Steelers' performance leading up to the trade deadline, it will show Khan how he must act. If they’re competing for the AFC North title, they should consider making a trade. They could always solve the cap logistics later on. The veteran receiver has failed to live up to the massive contract he received in Tennessee, but he could improve as the second receiver.