Why the Pittsburgh Steelers should be first in line for John Metchie trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been connected to a trade for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk since what feels like Week 1 of the 2023 season when he lit up the Steelers for eight catches for 129 yards and two scores.

While each day passes with the fluctuating possibilities of Steelers GM Omar Khan and 49ers GM John Lynch coming to an agreement on a trade package, Steelers fans grow impatient. Van Jefferson appears serviceable, but the fact remains that the Steelers need a No. 2 receiver opposite of George Pickens.

With the preseason coming to an end, the Steelers have two options: 1: sell the farm for Aiyuk, 2: take a conservative approach and make a move for someone less proven.

I've advocated in the past to bite the bullet and make the move that will improve the Steelers offense the quickest. However, there is a strong argument to be made about another move: trading for John Metchie III of the Houston Texans.

John Metchie is the perfect trade option for Steelers

John Metchie III is a familiar name, as he was linked to the Steelers as a potential target in the 2022 NFL Draft. Metchie was selected just eight picks before Pickens in that draft, so who knows what direction the Steelers would have gone in had he been available.

Clearly, the Steelers made out well.

Pickens appears to be on track to be a dominant receiver in the NFL. Metchie's career took a different route as shortly after beginning training camp his rookie season, he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a form of cancer.

Metchie sparsely saw the field in 2023, catching 16 passes for 179 yards as the Texans' offense surprised the league as one of the best in the league.

Metchie had a strong preseason showing in 2024, catching 10 passes for 100 yards and a score. Now social media is buzzing that multiple teams have enquired about trading for the former Alabama Crimson Tide playmaker.

I covered Alabama during his career. While approaching the topic, I want to be clear this isn't from a standpoint of bias in wanting another Alabama guy on the roster, but just knowing Metchie for the player he is on and off the field.

Without hitting Aiyuk with an unnecessary stray (let's be real, the guy just wants to get paid and play where he wants, and he's earned that), the character concerns are non-existent for Metchie. He plays with emotion, yes, but not in the manner Pickens does, which can be misinterpreted as a negative. Metchie's emotion is more akin to a Hines Ward. He's there to have fun and play a high level of football.

The Steelers need a compliment to Pickens in playstyle, which Aiyuk fits, but so does Metchie. Metchie is more of a possession slot type of receiver with the capability to play outside. He isn't going to burn the defense, but he's a reliable player who eats up targets and makes plays after the catch.

Keep in mind that Metchie was a fringe first-round player in the 2022 Draft Class. He was a star at Alabama who, alongside Jameson Williams, created an explosive passing attack for the Crimson Tide. His lack of production in the NFL has more to do with his unfortunate health concern than anything else. When he's on the field, he's a reliable option, which is what the Steelers need.

In the end, Metchie's price is considerably lower than Aiyuk, even if it inflates because of league interest. With the possibility of adding another wideout to the roster, the Steelers could upgrade without breaking the bank for someone with immense potential and the right attitude.