The NFL trade deadline is just around the corner, and rumors are naturally heating up. We’ve already seen a few dominoes fall into place, and given their current record, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear set to be buyers at the deadline.
One of their biggest needs is at wide receiver. Even before injuries rattled the room, the receiver group was one of the weaker positions on the field. Adding a notable name could help this team make a playoff push.
Luckily for the Steelers, there are a slew of names that are seemingly available.
We already saw Marvin Harrison get dealt to the Texans, so now time will tell who else ultimately gets dealt. Brian Thomas felt like the crown jewel of the available options until rumors surfaced that the Chargers were open to trading Ladd McConkey.
The former second-round pick has been a dynamic slot receiver at times. However, like the rest of the Chargers team, he is floundering right now.
The Steelers could make a move for the former Bulldog, but the smarter bet would be to trade for his teammate Quentin Johnston.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should target LA Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
Pound for pound, it isn’t a question; McConkey is the better receiver. While he has to do more of his damage underneath and on short routes, he has proven to be a consistent threat there.
His play has dipped since Jim Harbaugh took over, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is one of the premier slot receivers in this league. Add in the fact that he still has an extra year on his rookie deal if he were to be traded for, and the move looks appealing.
Long-term, I don’t love this fit.
Germie Bernard is a similar style of receiver. While McConkey is more twitchy, Bernard is more physical and thrives on making short catches meaningful. Having both of them on the same team feels redundant.
The cost is also in question. The Chargers aren’t going to just give McConkey away. Given the fact that Harrison got a second-round pick when he was traded, it feels like McConkey’s value would be similar.
Johnston is an entirely different story.
He is your classic “Z” receiver—long and fast, and he thrives at making big catches down the field. While he has had problems with his hands and consistency, he is a player who can make the most of limited opportunities.
He only has eight catches so far this season, but is averaging 20.6 yards per reception. That kind of addition would do wonders for this offense.
There are some warts with Johnston. Beyond the inconsistencies in his game, the Chargers already exercised his fifth-year option, meaning whoever trades for him has him on the hook for nearly $16.5 million guaranteed in 2027.
Knowing that further devalues Johnston as a trade chip, though. Teams know they will be strapped to him for next year at a larger cap hit, so that means the acquiring team would likely give less to acquire his services. The Chargers, meanwhile, have no use for Johnston now or later, so they should still want to move the young receiver.
McConkey likely costs you a Day 2 pick and something else. Johnston, on the other hand, could be as cheap as a Day 3 pick swap.
While Johnston’s ceiling is an inconsistent deep threat, having him as your third receiver is excellent. Bernard and D.K. Metcalf can continue to do their thing while Johnston takes some pressure off them to make big plays. This offense doesn’t need another short threat. It could use an effective deep threat even if the opportunities given are limited.
For a Steelers team that isn’t truly contending for a Super Bowl this year, making the smarter and more affordable move for Johnston is the play. The cost to acquire McConkey vs. the value he brings isn’t worth it for this current Pittsburgh squad.
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