Sometimes it takes a while before an NFL team lands a big fish in a trade scenario. Pittsburgh has been trying to land a legit upgrade at their second receiver spot since this past offseason. They dealt Diontae Johnson away only to add Mike Williams as a rental. There is no long-term plan opposite of George Pickens right now, but you better believe the Steelers want to fix that this offseason.
As Pittsburgh plays one of the toughest stretches of any NFL schedule this year, many won't focus on what comes after this season concludes. Many hope that the club can find a way to win the Super Bowl, no matter if that is realistic or not. When free agency and the draft roll around, you better believe that Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin will want to bring in more talent to heighten their chances.
A new report by the Athletics' Zack Rosenblatt might have the Steelers prime trade candidate this upcoming offseason. According to Rosenblatt's recent report, it is possible Garrett Wilson could ask for a trade from the Jets organization. That would be a massive piece in a potential deal, but that would be the long-term answer the Steelers have been searching for at their receiver position.
Pittsburgh could land perfect trade piece for Steelers with Garrett Wilson
Losing is something the Jets have grown accustomed to. They haven't been to the playoffs in 14 years, which happened to end when they lost to the Steelers in the AFC Championship. One thing is for sure, Wilson is exhausted with New York. He wants to win, and he knows that his current situation will not help his cause. The toxicity of the big city is something he wants to move away from.
"That’s why no one should be shocked if Wilson, eligible to negotiate a contract extension for the first time this offseason, isn’t eager to stick around the organization long-term, especially as everything continues to crumble around him," wrote Rosenblatt in his report.
With a contract extension potentially on the table between now and next season, Wilson will have a lot of control. He could sit out like Brandon Aiyuk did this past preseason. Players are gaining a ton of power, and a trade request could put the Jets in a bind. It might be a Deja vu moment for Pittsburgh if Wilson is seeking a new contract, and the Steelers come calling with a contract extension in the deal.
Wilson will be under contract through 2025, but he does have the fifth-year option that could carry him through the 2026 campaign. The Steelers have been rumored to want an impact player at the receiver position who could be with the team for a significant amount of time. Well, Wilson can easily stay through 2026 before he has any shot at getting close to free agency in this case.
Rosenblatt believes this is the end, "Internally (and externally), many have wondered when — not if — Wilson will request a trade."
Everything makes plenty of sense for the Steelers if the Jets make Wilson available via trade. He would be a young receiver who is proven in the NFL with star potential. They will also have contract control over him for at least two seasons if they pick up his fifth-year option before they contemplate a future extension. If Wilson wants out of New York, Pittsburgh makes plenty of sense.