Despite signing a trio of veteran free agent wide receivers and selecting Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it's hard to believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers have scratched their itch at the receiver position. Nearly every option they added this offseason fits a similar role, and most do their best work from the slot.
Now it's hard to argue that there isn't redundancy at the position. Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins all project as slot options for Pittsburgh, and not all of these receivers will make the team. Likewise, Jefferson has done most of his best work from the slot in recent years.
Throughout the offseason, the Steelers have been eyeing a trade for a receiver, and they are looking for a big-bodied weapon who fits the mold of what Arthur Smith is looking for.
There's one player who fits the bill, and his team may be willing to trade him.
Steelers should trade for Treylon Burks
The Tennessee Titans used the 18th overall pick to acquire Arkansas WR Treylon Burns in the 2022 NFL Draft. One round later, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected George Pickens after 10 receivers were already off the board. While Burks may never be as good as Pickens, the Steelers should inquire about a trade for the talented young receiver.
As a rookie, Burks showed promise. He recorded 444 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (6 starts) in 2022 and managed a respectable 8.2 yards per target when the ball was thrown his way, per Pro Football Reference. However, Burks took a step backward in 2023 when he snagged just 16 catches for 221 yards in 11 games (9 starts).
Now the Titans have loaded up on veteran receiving options -- pairing Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd with DeAndre Hopkins. This trio of wide-outs could make Burks an afterthought in Tennessee, and the Titans may be willing to move on.
At 6'2'' and 225 pounds, Burks is a smooth athlete with a run-after-the-catch ability and a massive wingspan. Meanwhile, the Steelers are starving for another outside receiver to pair with Pickens. While Burks played roughly one-third of his snaps from the slot, he has the ability to line up as Pittsburgh's 'Z' receiver -- allowing Pittsburgh to shift Pickens to the 'X' position.
The question becomes the cost. What would the Titans need to receive in a trade in order to part ways with Burks?
The price may not be steep due to Burks' lack of production early in his NFL career. Bill Barnwell of ESPN believes that Treylon Burks could be acquired at the cost of a fourth-round pick. While many Steelers fans would rather spend this on a more proven veteran (like Courtland Sutton), Burks is a much younger player with two years remaining on his rookie contract (plus a fifth-year option).
It's unlikely that Treylon Burks would serve as a long-term receiving option for the Steelers, but he would be given the chance for his career to take off in Pittsburgh in Arthur Smith's offense. Burks has a coveted body type and traits at the wide receiver position, and trading for the first-round talent would be worth a gamble at the right price.