Nothing seems to be working out for the Steelers trade options this year. Everyone is demanding the team to find an upgrade or two, especially when it comes to their receiving core. There have been plenty of names thrown out there, but it seems like each week brings bad news to Pittsburgh. No matter if that is a bottom-feeder team surging, injuries, or other trades getting across the finish line.
Acquiring a star receiver isn't easy. Few are available, and normally, the teams they call home are in contention. Several big names became available, but the Steelers either neglected their interest or failed to land them.
With the trade deadline on November 5, Pittsburgh has a lot of work left to accomplish. A concern of many fans would be the team not making any trade at all.
Another trade target for the Steelers is off the market again. This time it is because of injury and not another deal. Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars was a name-catching fire on the trade block in recent weeks. Many had connected him to Pittsburgh, but he will be staying put in Jacksonville after suffering a broken collar bone. This will keep him out for the remainder of the season.
It's time to accept Steelers won't trade for a wide receiver
Before his injury in Week 8, Kirk was having a solid season with the Jaguars. Even though his team has been consistently losing this year, Kirk has found ways to keep his production up. He is someone who might not be a true top receiver on an NFL offense, but he would be a tremendous second option next to George Pickens on the Steelers. His fit with Pittsburgh would have been great.
Jacksonville was predicted to be a playoff contender coming out of the AFC, but they have fallen flat on their face. It seems like they could still make some trades to sell off assets before the deadline passes. Kirk could have been their biggest fish to dangle in negotiations, but that is now gone. He is a talented receiver, but who knows what kind of demands the Jaguars would have made.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about Kirk besides his on-field production is his contract. He does carry a hefty cap hit, but that would only be through the 2025 season. Pittsburgh would like to have someone join their team and not be a pure rental option. They want someone to stick around for another year before a Pickens extension hits their financial situation.
Now that Kirk is off the Steelers trade board because of his injury, they will have to turn toward other options. They have been rumored to be interested in some Patriots receivers as well as names like Mike Williams, Jakobi Meyers, and others. No star players will likely be dealt to the black and gold this year unless a deal comes out of nowhere.
This trade deadline could be a massive disappointment.