It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for a true No. 2 wide receiver to complement the club's unquestioned alpha, D.K. Metcalf. This endeavor dates back to the offseason, albeit to no avail. However, recent intel from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggests a prime opportunity may have finally arisen in the form of the Las Vegas Raiders' Jakobi Meyers.
Meyers requested a trade back in August after contract extension talks stalled, though the Raiders quickly shot him down. He's been a trouper since, continuing to show up to work with a positive mindset until something gives, which Fowler suggests could happen soon.
Citing Meyers' documented desire for a change of scenery, Fowler thinks the veteran wideout may finally get his wish. Knowing this, it's hard not to think of the Steelers as an ideal suitor.
Obvious Steelers target emerges after NFL insider names Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers as potential trade candidate
"Teams I've spoken to believe the Raiders are open to trading wide receiver Jakobi Meyers but are not actively trying to move him," Fowler wrote. "The sense is the Raiders would prefer to play out the season before making major determinations about the roster. But Meyers requested a trade in the preseason, so a potential deal feels at least on the table."
Given what's transpired between Meyers asking out of Las Vegas and now, it makes sense for the Raiders to send the seventh-year pro elsewhere. They're 2-4 with little hope of salvaging what's shaping up to be a disappointing and lost campaign. His expiring salary does nothing for them in the long run; why not try to recoup some value for him?
Moreover, the Raiders have an intriguing trio of pass-catchers in 2023 third-round selection Tre Tucker and rookies Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton. Ensuring the young guys get meaningful playing time should be a point of emphasis for Las Vegas moving forward in 2025. Meyers is the biggest roadblock to making that vision a reality, soaking up a 93 percent offensive snap share rate.
Enter the 4-1 Steelers, eyeing their first AFC North title since 2020 with hopes of snapping a four-game Wild Card losing streak in the playoffs. Meyers fits right in with an experienced Black and Gold squad focused on the present, and there's a clear role for him to step into. He'd give 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers another much-needed weapon to work with.
Since 2021, Meyers has recorded at least 67 receptions and 804 receiving yards annually. His combination of consistency and productivity would be a welcome addition for the Steelers' group of unproven playmakers behind Metcalf. Moreover, the former's ability to thrive in the short-to-intermediate areas pairs well with the latter's field-stretching prowess.