Five Receivers That The Steelers Should Inquire About
Now that the Steelers have struck out on a trade for Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams, they’re left with few options in the trade market. Getting a guy like DK Metcalf would be ideal for Pittsburgh, but he hasn’t shown that he’s ready to leave Seattle yet. So what scraps does that leave for the Steelers? A couple of guys could boost this Steelers offense, and they could be available soon.
5. Christian Kirk, JAX
He might not be the most incredible fit for the Steelers, who need an outside guy opposite George Pickens, but Christian Kirk could be an option for the Steelers. Especially in the event of a fire sale in Jacksonville, as they’ve struggled out of the gate this season. Kirk is a seven-year NFL veteran, spending his first four years in Arizona before signing with the Jaguars.
The 27-year-old pass catcher has posted over 1,000 once in his seven-year career. It was his first season in Jacksonville in 2022 when he caught 84 passes for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. Through six games this season, he’s caught 24 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown. If Jacksonville is willing to move him, the Steelers should kick the tires.
4. Mike Williams, NYJ
Likely a better fit than Kirk, Mike Williams finds himself in a crowded receiver room in New York with the Jets acquiring Davante Adams. They could even leave him in Pittsburgh after the week seven showdown between the Jets and Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The eight-year veteran spent his entire career with the Chargers before signing with the Jets this offseason.
Williams had a meeting with the Steelers scheduled in the offseason but elected to sign with the Jets before he came in. Now, the 30-year-old receiver could find himself in Pittsburgh anyway. He played just three games last season due to an injury and hasn’t been fully healthy since 2021 when he played 16 games and caught 76 passes for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. So far this season, he’s posted 145 yards and no touchdowns on 10 receptions.
3. Romeo Doubs, GB
At just 24 years old, Romeo Doubs is the most future-oriented player on this list. Before week six, he was unhappy with his role in Green Bay and skipped practice for a couple of days, resulting in a team-issued suspension for one week. Last week, he returned from suspension to catch three passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Cardinals. That may impact his ambition to be traded, but the Steelers would be great suitors.
Last season, Doubs posted 674 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 59 receptions. He also played well in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, catching a touchdown pass at Acrisure Stadium. This season, Doubs has 15 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns. If you take Pickens out of the equation, that’s more than the whole Steelers depth chart combined.
2. Darius Slayton, NYG
The New York Giants might not be in a position to be handing out pass catchers as their room is thin, but if they’re willing to part with Darius Slayton, Omar Khan should jump at the opportunity. Unfortunately, Slayton spent all six seasons of his NFL career with the Giants and could use a fresh start. This season, through six games, Slayton has posted 301 yards and one touchdown.
He had a big game against the Seahawks, putting up 122 yards and a touchdown. Last season, Slayton gathered 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In a better offense, Slayton could be much more lethal. The Giants fifth-round pick from 2019 will turn 28 in January and would love great in black and yellow.
1. DeAndre Hopkins, TEN
DeAndre Hopkins is the guy the Steelers should relentlessly call about right now. The situation in Tennessee is less than ideal, and Hopkins should want to leave. Hopkins is 32 years old but would still be a great addition to Pickens.
He spent his first seven seasons in Houston before they traded him to Arizona for pennies. Now, in Tennessee, he could use another change of scenery.
Hopkins was banged up in 2021 and 2022, but he posted four consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons before that. In 2017, in Houston, Hopkins led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 13. Last season, his first with the Titans, he put up 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions. There is still some gas in that tank, and the Steelers should try their hardest to siphon it.
End Of Steelers Rant
The Steelers need to add a weapon before the trade deadline. It's clear through six weeks that the current situation isn't working. Although Arthur Smith's teams don't usually have many weapons, this one needs it. If Pittsburgh is serious about winning, the time is now to make a splash in the trade market.
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