As the preseason process comes to a close, the Steelers still have receiver problems to deal with. They have been connected to Brandon Aiyuk for most of the offseason till now. It has not been a storyline for the weak as it has seen plenty of ups and downs for Pittsburgh. Almost every available receiver has been teased as a possible upgrade for the Steelers.
With roster cuts due by 4 P.M. EST on August 27, plenty of teams will try their best to get value rather than just cutting players for nothing. It might not be a ton of trade value, but Pittsburgh could use this time to their advantage not only to upgrade a starting spot but depth at receiver too. It should be a busy time for the Steelers as they prepare for their regular season opener in two weeks.
Steelers trade options at WR are plentiful as the preseason winds down
Alec Pierce
It has quickly become a full receiver room with the Colts, and Alec Pierce has emerged as a trade candidate. The 2022 second-round pick has had two solid seasons of production in the NFL. The Steelers didn't show a ton of pre-draft interest in him that year, but that was the quarterback draft for Pittsburgh. If they are looking for a young starting-caliber receiver, then Pierce is their guy.
Tutu Atwell
This trade option has the same build as Calvin Austin III. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp being the star receivers in LA, Tutu Atwell has seen limited opportunities. We know the Steelers and Rams have completed trades in recent history both surrounding Kevin Dotson and Allen Robinson II. Acquiring Atwell would be a great option for a quality veteran looking for a promotion.
Xavier Hutchinson
Houston has a ton of talented receivers on their roster, and the Steelers saw them first-hand in Week 1 of the preseason. Xavier Hutchinson might be a great option to push for a starting spot or play a depth role. We know the Steelers showed pre-draft interest in him coming out of Iowa State. He is a big target with limited production, but he would be a good fit in Arthur Smith's offense.
Skyy Moore
This one could take some convincing in a trade as the Chiefs still value Skyy Moore. He is a former second-round pick, but he just hasn't been able to grow his game to a level Kansas City hoped for. Moore is a Pittsburgh guy and played high school football with Mike Tomlin's son. He is in a crowded receiver room with the Chiefs and could enjoy a change of scenery with the Steelers.
Danny Gray
Maybe Aiyuk is not the final answer between the Steelers and the 49ers via trade. Danny Gray could be an interesting fallback option. He was a third-round pick a couple of years ago but had limited playing time as a rookie and missed last season with a lingering injury. Gray is a fast receiver and has been doing well at training camp. He could be a great option for a buy-low, high-pedigree guy.
Donovan Peoples-Jones
If not for a starting spot, Donovan Peoples-Jones would be a fantastic depth upgrade for the Steelers. He will not find a starting gig with the Lions, but he could have a better opportunity in Pittsburgh. The Steelers know Peoples-Jones well after he had some quality years with the Cleveland Browns. If Detroit is willing to trade him, Pittsburgh should be calling to make a deal.