Steelers would be overjoyed if a suggested trade proposal came true

Not only is mock draft season in full swing with the 2023 NFL Draft just around the corner, but it is also that time of the year when trade rumors and hypotheticals are out in full force. Last year, most Pittsburgh Steelers fans probably didn't think there was a real chance that Chase Claypool would have been dealt before the deadline, but here we are, and Omar Khan now holds the 32nd overall pick in the draft as a result.

Recently, a suggested trade proposal from Clutch Points has fans intrigued. Guilherme Hiray Leal writes that the Steelers and Texans should come to terms on a trade that would send wide receiver Diontae Johnson to Houston -- along with the 49th pick and 120th pick -- in exchange for the 12th overall pick of the Texans.

At first glance, this might seem like a lot of capital to give up in order to gain an additional first-round pick, but like the Chase Claypool trade should prove beneficial in time, this suggested trade would prove to be great for the Steelers.

The biggest difference is that this one may actually work out for both sides. The Texans are very likely to select a quarterback early who will be the team's signal caller from day one, and Johnson is an experienced player who knows how to get open. Houston would be able to add a few extra rookies to the mix with Pittsburgh's original second and fourth-round picks.

Steelers should execute this trade if it were on the table

Though the Texans aren't likely to part with a high first-round pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers should pounce on this if given the opportunity. While they would be shipping away their most productive receiver, Diontae Johnson was very inefficient in 2022 as he averaged a career-low 6.0 yards per target and quarterbacks had a dismal 58.8 passer rating when targeting him, per ESPN stats.

If the 12th overall pick could be had for Johnson, pick 49, and pick 120, sign me up. If this trade were executed, the Steelers would then hold the 12th, 17th, and 32nd overall picks.

This elite draft capital would allow them to move back in the draft and easily stockpile more capital. In the process, they could also draft a receiver like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Jordan Addison who would not only fill that void but would save Pittsburgh a ton of money by adding a receiver on a rookie deal.

After already being thin on depth at the wide receiver position, it's highly unlikely the Steelers would seriously consider trading away Johnson, but if this suggested trade was actually on the table, Pittsburgh should pull the trigger without hesitation.