With a 4-2 record following a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a real opportunity to become contenders in 2025. With a much more consistent offense and the talent required to be a strong defense, only a few things are needed to potentially get them over the hump.
Some will be harder, like head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff finally adjusting their plan of attack against veteran QBs and premier receivers. Others, like the continued development of their young players, will be hit or miss throughout the rest of the season.
One thing that is firmly in their control, however, is who they could potentially target before the NFL trade deadline. It takes two to tango, but there is no shortage of teams looking to make moves. Plenty of roster spots could use upgrading, but a familiar position is being rumored as their top interest.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network recently wrote about what he is hearing as the trade deadline approaches, and a new receiver to pair with DK Metcalf seems to be the Steelers' focus. While I imagine fans will like hearing that, the type of player they are looking to add should raise some eyebrows.
Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly looking to add more speed next to DK Metcalf is a potential waste of time
The idea of adding another explosive player to the receiver room isn't a bad idea, necessarily, but I question whether or not that is what they are really missing next to Metcalf and the other playmakers. Once Calvin Austin III is healthy, speed is something they won't be lacking at receiver by any means.
Even with Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller currently sharing snaps next to Metcalf, speed is certainly not lacking from either of them. What has been missing is a reliable chain-mover, someone who knows when to settle down between zone defenders and give quarterback Aaron Rodgers a safe place to deliver the football.
A player with more size is also sorely needed, even with the massive frame of Metcalf as the top option. He has never been a true contested catch receiver in his career, although he has flashed the ability from time to time.
Instead of targeting more raw explosiveness (let's use Saints receiver Rasheed Shaheed, for example), going after a player like the Raiders' Jakobi Meyers makes more sense in my eyes. He offers good size and the ability to win contested catches, and he is a veteran who has played plenty of slot and outside receiver in his career.
Sure, he isn't going to run by many defensive backs, but he would be more easily utilized on a week-to-week basis than a true speed threat. It wouldn't be flashy, but adding that kind of skill set would be exactly what this team needs.