The NFL trade deadline is heating up with mere hours left to go, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to make a move despite being in constant rumors. Mike Tomlin's remarks at his weekly press conference suggested that they are still shopping for potential upgrades, but their options are quickly running out.
Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, a name Pittsburgh was rumored to be interested in, has already been dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fourth and sixth-round pick in 2026. Even a potential buy-low candidate in Indianapolis Colts' receiver AD Mitchell is off the board, being included in the blockbuster trade for New York Jets' cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Now, another name they were tied to has found a new home, as New Orleans Saints' deep threat Rashid Shaheed has been traded to the surging Seattle Seahawks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to miss out on upgrades as Rashid Shaheed joins the Seahawks
The Steelers are clearly interested in the receivers available this deadline, but it looks increasingly like they may miss out on any potential difference makers. Shaheed was one of the more interesting options available, thanks to his rare skill set as a true deep threat.
Seattle gave up a significant amount for him, trading 2026 fourth and fifth-round picks for him despite being on the last year of his contract. The fit with the Seahawks is crystal clear, as he can help create space for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp once the latter is healthy.
He also should be able to contribute immediately, as offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was his OC just a year ago with the Saints. Shaheed thrived in Kubiak's offense before going down with an injury last season, averaging a career-high in yards per game and yards per reception.
While the Steelers could have used a player like him, the speedy receiver would likely make far less of an impact in Pittsburgh than he could in Seattle. The Steelers have a hard enough time feeding the playmakers they already have, evidenced by top receiver DK Metcalf's hot and cold production.
Finding targets for a player who is best utilized down the field in this offense would be difficult, especially given quarterback Aaron Rodgers' preference to get rid of the ball quickly. Not that Shaheed would be useless by any means, but Seahawks QB Sam Darnold is much more capable of using a player like him.
There is still some time left for Pittsburgh to make a move, but it looks more and more likely that they stand pat as the deadline passes.