Falling short always stings, but missing an opportunity hurts a little more. For Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers, there aren’t many more chances they can afford to miss—especially after news broke that the Las Vegas Raiders had traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars just hours before the NFL trade deadline.
It was a crushing moment for fans who believed this was the move the front office needed to make.
Pittsburgh, already battling inconsistency on offense, appeared poised to finally land a reliable weapon for All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers throwing 17 touchdowns so far this season—tied for third-most in the league—the Steelers have proven they can score. But even with his brilliance, it’s clear that more help is needed.
Now, with Meyers off the board, the Steelers are back at the drawing table, facing another round of tough questions about their decision-making. Once again, they’re left watching another team improve while they remain stuck in the middle.
The frustration among fans is understandable.
After all, this is the same front office that allowed George Pickens to walk earlier this offseason without a clear replacement plan. Rodgers’ timing and accuracy can only do so much when his receiver corps lacks consistency and depth.
There’s a growing sense that the Steelers are too often one step behind when it comes to adding offensive talent, and missing out on Meyers feels like another misstep in a season where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Of course, the NFL is a business—fast, unpredictable, and at times ruthless. Still, this particular miss is hard to justify. Pittsburgh had reportedly been monitoring Meyers for months, according to several league insiders. The 28-year-old receiver seemed to fit perfectly into what the Steelers needed: a dependable route-runner, a strong possession receiver, and someone capable of stretching the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers missing out on Jakobi Meyers may have been a blessing in disguise
So how did the Steelers let him slip away?
The likely answer lies in the cost. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jacksonville acquired Meyers for a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick. While that price might seem manageable for a player with 20 career touchdowns, it’s also a hefty tag for a franchise that just endured one of its most expensive offseasons in recent memory. Khan and his front office may have felt the long-term risk outweighed the short-term reward.
Still, that reasoning doesn’t erase the sting. It’s a bitter reminder of how quickly opportunities come and go in the NFL—and how one missed trade can shift a team’s entire trajectory. The Steelers have been searching for a rhythm since Rodgers arrived, and while the chemistry is improving, there’s still an obvious void in the passing attack. Meyers would’ve filled that gap beautifully.
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But not all hope is lost.
The trade market still has life, and Pittsburgh could rebound quickly if they choose to stay aggressive. Two names that have surfaced as potential alternatives are Deebo Samuel Sr. of the Washington Commanders and wideout Adonai Mitchell of the Indianapolis Colts.
Samuel, when healthy, brings explosive playmaking and versatility that fit perfectly in Mike Tomlin’s offense. Mitchell, on the other hand, offers youth, upside, and affordability—the kind of prospect that could quietly evolve into Rodgers’ next trusted target.
Missing out on Meyers hurts, no doubt about it. But sometimes, the best deals are the ones that don’t happen. Perhaps this setback will push Khan and the Steelers to reevaluate their priorities and make a smarter, more balanced move before the window closes entirely.
The season is far from over, and with Rodgers under center, Pittsburgh remains in the thick of AFC contention. However, the front office now faces the challenge of proving they can make the right call when it counts. Fans can only hope this latest disappointment becomes the lesson that sparks the next great addition—because in the NFL, opportunity rarely knocks twice.