The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a solution to their current receiver vacancy by casting a wide net. General Manager Omar Khan has been hard at work, which has resulted in numerous trade rumors and some tight ends being mentioned. The ideal scenario would have Khan land a receiver in a trade or pick one up during final roster cuts when the preseason concludes.
There isn't enough talent at the receiver position right now, and the Steelers know it.
Khan wants to find a solution sooner rather than later. DK Metcalf cannot be their only proven weapon at the position heading into Week 1 of the season. They brought Aaron Rodgers onto the roster to help this team compete in 2025, and they cannot rely on Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson to fix everything. Expect Pittsburgh to add another weapon on offense, and it could be someone flying under the radar.
Khan could target lesser-known trade targets at WR to fix the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense
Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts
It has been an ugly start for the Indianapolis Colts as Anthony Richardson nurses a shoulder injury. 2025 might be an ugly campaign for their team, and they might consider moving a receiver in a busy depth chart. Alec Pierce is a pending free agent who could garner a solid draft pick in return. He is heading into his fourth year in the NFL after being a starter for Indianapolis since his rookie year.
Pierce didn't gain much pre-draft interest from the Steelers, but that was before Khan was the GM. He might be willing to make a minor move to acquire a receiver who can be a reliable threat on offense. The fourth-year veteran produced his best campaign as a pro, and he could grow with Rodgers as his quarterback.
Pierce has been flying under the radar, and with a crowded receiving corps, Indianapolis might consider moving him before they lose him in free agency.
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Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Khan might not land a massive upgrade for the roster, which might turn him towards a "realistic" choice. Jalen Nailor produced his best outing in 2024, but he has struggled to make an impact as a receiver before that. The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of talent at the top of the position group, and Nailor has struggled to find a role on their offense consistently.
Pittsburgh might be a fantastic opportunity for the Vikings' role player. Joining the Steelers via trade could be a terrific opportunity for him to gain snaps and grow his game. Khan wouldn't need to sacrifice much in a trade for the receiver. It would be a risk to acquire Nailor, but he would push Austin III and Wilson for a starting job each week, which their GM might settle for.
John Metchie III, WR, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans appear to be a favorite for the Steelers to pluck a receiver from their roster. Houston has plenty of weapons at the position, and John Metchie III might fall out of favor this preseason. They signed Christian Kirk to help their receiving corps, who is awaiting Tank Dell to return from a devastating injury.
Metchie might be the odd man out after they selected two receivers in the draft.
Metchie had a rough start to his career after being diagnosed with cancer, which derailed his rookie campaign. After coming back from the disease, he has struggled to carve out a significant role with the Texans. They have consistently landed upgrades over Metchie, which has knocked him down the depth chart. He might do better with a change of scenery, and the Steelers could be a perfect spot.