Ranking Steelers' top-5 wide receiver trade targets before the deadline

With time dwindling until the 2024 NFL trade deadline, the Steelers need to act fast. By 4 p.m. Eastern Time on November 5, the window to make a trade will close and Pittsburgh will be stuck with what they have at wide receiver.

Since the offseason, Omar Khan and the front office have expressed interest in trading for a wide receiver, and we have to assume the Steelers are entering desperation mode with the deadline nearing. It's clear that Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin aren't No. 2 receivers, while third-round rookie Roman Wilson has yet to make an impact.

The options are running slim after the Davante Adams sweepstakes, but beggars can't be choosers. Here are the five best possible remaining targets for Pittsburgh before the NFL trade deadline.

5. Mike Williams

There have been plenty of rumors that the Steelers would be interested in seeking a trade with the Jets for Mike Williams, but this certainly wouldn't be my first choice. Williams only played three games in 2023 before suffering an ACL injury and he hasn't looked like the same player in 2024.

With the Jets, Williams quickly became an afterthought -- so much so that New York traded for Davante Adams. Williams is the Jets' fourth wide receiver in the pecking order. For Pittsburgh, he could be a WR2, but the upgrade alongside George Pickens wouldn't be as big as fans hope.

4. Christian Kirk

One of the pricier options potentially on the table is Jacksonville's Christian Kirk. The former 1,000-yard receiver is still a respectable player when healthy, but his fit with the team wouldn't be ideal.

Kirk does the vast majority of his damage from the slot, but the Steelers could really use a threat on the outside. Trading for Kirk would add more redundancy at slot receiver in Pittsburgh, but he's simply a better football player than Mike Williams at this point and he would be a safety blanket and chain-mover for Russell Wilson.

3. Jakobi Meyers

Jakobi Meyers has been one of the league's most underrated wide receivers since 2020. Dating back to his days with the Patriots, Meyers has put up four straight 800-yard seasons and is projected to do so again in 2024.

After the Raiders traded Davante Adams to New York, they may not be willing to part with their top remaining receiver. However, their also not oblivious to their positioning in the AFC and their chances of competing this year. Meyers would be a worthwhile gamble if Las Vegas makes him available. He's a do-it-all option who would be a nice complement to Pickens in the passing game.

2. Cooper Kupp

A fan-favorite option for the Steelers is Cooper Kupp. the Rams wide receiver led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2021, but has dealt with injuries on and off ever since.

Those injuries continued into the 2024 season, and Kupp has already missed a four-game stretch this year. Still, considering the Rams' current state, they could be willing to part with the former All-Pro pass-catcher. Kupp is a quarterback's best friend who would give the offense a significant boost if he can stay healthy.

1. Chris Olave

This one might be a long shot, but when you dive into it, there are reasons to believe the Saints could be open to moving Chris Olave. Though Olave is a young, talented receiver New Orleans could build around, this team isn't performing well and the Saints are projected to be over $82 million in the salary cap hole next season.

Due to their disastrous financial state and knowing Olave is entering a contract year in 2025, the Saints could get a first-round pick in exchange for their top receiver in a blockbuster trade. Much like their trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019, the Pittsburgh Steelers should pounce for Olave if given the opportunity.