The 2024 NFL Draft will be held later this month, but there are still plenty of upgrades out there for the Steelers. They have been active in free agency and with various trades this offseason. The draft will play another vital role in improving the roster of the Steelers. They could always try and acquire a star player before, or even potentially after the draft.
This draft class of receivers is deep and full of talent. Pittsburgh will likely target the position early, but that doesn't rule out taking a swing at a star player who is already established in the league. The black and gold could target a bigger name at receiver to try and boost their Super Bowl inspirations further. They seem to be going for it this year, and that could lead to another blockbuster trade.
DeAndre Hopkins could make a ton of sense for the Steelers via trade
After a couple of down seasons in Arizona, DeAndre Hopkins showed that he still has some quality game left at his age. He was able to produce his best season in years with the Titans in 2023. He might not be the best number-one option for an offense, but he certainly would be a valuable second receiver on the outside.
Hopkins counts for a little over 18 million against the cap this year. It is also unknown if the Titans would make him available via trade. The Steelers should be calling as the veteran only has one year on his contract left. He would be a cheap gamble and someone who could be a good influence on George Pickens and the young receiving core.
Pittsburgh has long been rumored to have interest in Brandon Aiyuk
Rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk and the Steelers don't seem to be going away anytime soon. Those who report on the team and Aiyuk himself said this was done in good fun. It is hard to imagine that the 49ers would trade away their top receiver right now. He is asking for a new contract, but San Francisco seems content on waiting, hence the trade speculation.
Aiyuk would be a tremendous addition to the Steeler's offense and provide them with two elite receivers on the outside. The biggest concern about acquiring Aiyuk would be the cost of trading for him, and the extension that the Steelers would have to sign him to. A number-one receiver in today's NFL is expensive, but Aiyuk might be the top target for the black and gold if they can get him at the right price.
Tyler Lockett could reunite with Russell Wilson in the Black and Gold
All these options listed in this article make sense for the Steelers, but adding Tyler Lockett from the Seahawks might be the best scenario. Both Lockett and Russell Wilson spent a ton of time in Seattle together, so that chemistry is there between the quarterback and receiver. Lockett is also a great teammate and someone who could be a great resource for the young receivers on the roster.
This trade target has about the same cap hit as Hopkins does. He will be 32 years old at the end of September and is coming off a down year. He shouldn't cost too much to acquire from the Seahawks via trade. His contract runs through the 2025 season at an even larger cap hit next year. If the Steelers can maneuver the cap logistics, then it would make a ton of sense to add Lockett.
The Steelers could acquire Davante Adams before the NFL Draft
No one knows if the Raiders will have a quality starter at quarterback or not. They seem ready to try and trade up in the upcoming NFL Draft to try and get someone like Jayden Daniels. If they fail, then Davante Adams might want out of Las Vegas. Despite some up-and-down quarterback play since leaving the Packers two years ago, Adams has consistently produced great numbers.
If the Steelers want a true dominant number-one guy, then Adams would make a ton of sense. If the Raiders make him available, then the black and gold should be calling. He does cost a lot against the cap through 2026, so that could create some issues after this season.
Adams is still one of the best receivers in the game and someone the Steelers should target via trade before or after the NFL Draft.