In 2024, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t afraid to utilize the NFL trade deadline. Omar Khan’s front office used Day 3 capital to secure wideout Mike Williams and linebacker Preston Smith. The additions were not massive, but they improved the roster.
Mike McCarthy’s squad finds itself in a similar position this season. Pittsburgh could also benefit from a few last-minute investments. His team currently leads the AFC North but is a few players shy of becoming a conference threat. But will exchanging draft capital for a veteran player ensure a successful second half of the season?
Well, Mark Kaboly and Gerry Dulac see things differently.
According to Kaboly, Pittsburgh must utilize today's 4p.m. deadline wisely. And a wide receiver should be at the top of the list.
“I might be the one out in front of the narrative that Steelers general manager Omar Khan needs to go all out at the trade deadline to fortify a wide receiver room that has been, for the most part, underachieving a banger up,” he shared on X.
His sentiments were music to my ears.
Watching Pittsburgh’s wideouts has been challenging. Roman Wilson (hand) and Michal Pittman Jr. (foot) have missed significant time while on Injured Reserve. DK Metcalf has been healthy, but has yet to show consistency on the gridiron. He’s earned a -.033 EPA per target and has only earned one touchdown reception this season.
The veteran’s inconsistencies have limited Pittsburgh’s offensive potential. McCarthy’s offense ranks 24th in yards per pass (6.5) and 19th in passing yards per game (210.5). That’s not where this group needs to be. Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth's efforts are appreciated, but it won't be enough to silence the need for a prominent WR2.
Calvin Ridley, Brian Thomas Jr., or even Josh Downs are notable players who could fill the role. But will Pittsburgh’s desire to improve the offense be fulfilled by gambling on a veteran wideout?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a massive decision to make before the NFL Trade Deadline
Dulac doesn’t believe so.
When asked for his thoughts on Omar Khan’s plan for the trade deadline, the Steelers insider didn’t mince words.
“It is not his intention. Their idea of “all-in” is to sign the likes of Mike Williams and Marquez Valdés-Scantling, which they have already done.” Dulac stated. “Name me the last time the Steelers added a significant player before the trade deadline? You can’t.”
It was hard to deny the harsh reality. But it made complete sense after evaluating Pittsburgh’s tendencies in previous years. No, the Steelers are not known to make splashes during the trade deadline. They also signed Valdés- Scantling to the practice squad in October of this year. It will be his second stint with the franchise after spending time with the team in 2025.
There are more explosive options Omar Khan could explore before the NFL Trade deadline. Pittsburgh’s offense needs assistance at the wideout position. But how will Khan approach the solution?
According to Kaboly, rostering a wide receiver is a favorable decision for a franchise rallying behind Aaron Rodgers’ last ride. It could strengthen Mike McCarthy’s odds of having a successful postseason. But on the other hand, a splash before 4 p.m. ET is uncharacteristic of Pittsburgh. Gerry Dulac refuses to get his hopes up.
Pittsburgh’s reluctance to sacrifice premium draft capital is understandable. But the Steelers have a rare opportunity to strengthen a division-leading roster with Aaron Rodgers under center.
Whether Khan chooses to capitalize on that opportunity or trust his current receiving corps could shape Pittsburgh’s postseason ceiling. The clock is ticking, and standing pat carries risk of its own.
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