The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some uncharacteristic moves over the course of the 2025 offseason. First it was the blockbuster trade and big-time signing of star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Next, it was expressing serious interest in signing a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. While many fans in the Steel City anticipated the Steelers trading George Pickens, many never once thought it would come just less than two weeks after the 2025 NFL Draft, which they didn’t come away from with a rookie wideout.
Now that Pickens has been traded to the NFC, the wide receiver depth behind Metcalf is extremely concerning. Around this time last year, it was Pickens who needed a partner in crime. Metcalf is now the Steelers’ wide receiver in need of a sidekick, but who is left on the market doesn’t leave a ton of options for Pittsburgh. For starters, the top remaining free agents at the position include Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis.
While some insiders highly doubt it, it’s also a possibility that the Steelers make another trade at the position. One of the hottest names circulating the Steelers since the Pickens trade is Allen Lazard, one of Rodgers’ favorite targets in recent years. That move, however, would only make sense if Rodgers decides to sign with Pittsburgh, which they are still waiting for an answer. Another potential trade candidate is a player that the Steelers were seemingly linked to for the entire 2024 offseason – San Francisco 49ers wideout, Brandon Aiyuk. On Wednesday, Mike Florio made an appearance on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan and discussed the possibility of a trade involving the Steelers and Aiyuk.
On the final days of August in 2024, Aiyuk and the 49ers agreed on a four-year deal worth $120 million. A trade was seemingly set in place between the Steelers and 49ers for Aiyuk, but they ended up agreeing on a contract extension last minute as Aiyuk was about to be sent to Pittsburgh. The Aiyuk-saga lasted nearly six months, from the start of the 2024 offseason to the very end.
Less than halfway through the regular season, following signing his big contract, Aiyuk suffered with a season-ending ACL injury last year. Aiyuk was only able to appear in seven games in 2024, catching a grand total of 25 receptions. It could be a possibility that the 49ers are willing to trade Aiyuk if a team like the Steelers are willing to take on his contract. San Francisco was ready to trade him last season, and they don’t have many reasons not to try again if the right opportunity presents itself.
If the Steelers don’t pounce on any of the top three remaining free agent wide receivers, then they will be forced to make another trade if they want to make another addition to the offense. However, a trade could take time, as it did with Aiyuk in 2024. It does’t seem logical or likely that the Steelers are willing to go a full season with Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Robert Woods as the next three options behind Metcalf.
The Steelers won’t be having an improved offense compared to 2024 if they do not add another receiver. While it may have been time to get some value out of Pickens, considering it wasn’t likely that they would re-sign him, it brings back a problem they once had fixed.
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