After the Pittsburgh Steelers' prime time win over the New York Jets this past Sunday, one has to wonder if Russell Wilson is going to be the starting quarterback going forward.
While Wilson wasn't perfect, the offense was able to score a lot of points and was opened up far more thanks to Wilson being willing to sling it down field. Wide receiver George Pickens was given multiple chances at making big plays and he took advantage.
It seemed you couldn't go five minutes watching the live Sunday Night Football broadcast without hearing about Wilson's "moon ball" that he's been well-known for over the years. But, it's that moon ball which seems to be the big difference between Wilson and Justin Fields.
Maybe, this is what Mike Tomlin had been longing for all along. The offense needed more of a spark in the passing game, and Wilson delivered.
Now, it cannot be just Pickens going forward if the Steelers are going to try and make a Super Bowl run. They've got a championship-level defense, but offensively, this team needs another wide receiver to help take pressure off Wilson and Pickens.
Fortunately, the NFL trade deadline is approaching and there are some names out there who make sense to pursue. Specifically, there are a few who would pair well with Wilson and his strengths.
Wide receiver trade targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire prior to the deadline
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
One of the more underrated wide receivers in the league, Darius Slayton has been about as consistent as you could ask him to be since entering the NFL, topping 700 receiving yards in four of five seasons and on pace to do so again this year.
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Slayton is one who can stretch the field and beat defenders deep, which could offer Wilson the perfect type opposite George Pickens. He is also a free agent after this year, therefore he'd come cheap, especially since the Giants don't exactly look like they're going to contend.
Mike Williams, New York Jets
This one is obvious. After the Jets traded for Davante Adams, they immediately made it known that Mike Williams will be available via trade. With Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard being other favorites of Aaron Rodgers, that leaves Williams on the outside looking in.
Williams is a bigger body who has been known to be a field stretcher as well, and could become a strong no. 2 option next to Pickens, so long as he stays healthy. Williams is on a one-year deal, so he'd also come cheaper, like Slayton.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
The most exciting option of all three, here, is definitely Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the emergence of rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and having signed Gabe Davis as well, Kirk could end up being expendable, especially if the Jaguars don't miraculously turn their season around.
Kirk is also a field stretcher, and has a similar build as one of Wilson's former teammates, Tyler Lockett. He'd offer a familiar type of target to Wilson and could also become a strong compliment to Pickens. Kirk does have one more year on his deal, though, and his cap hit in 2025 soars to over $27 million.