The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown that they need to improve in many different areas on the offensive side of the ball. The offense is ranked near the bottom of the league in all major statistical categories through the first six weeks of the 2023 NFL season, and many believe that some personnel changes need to be made. One of the issues that has been talked about is the Steelers receivers struggling to gain separation on defenders to get open, and former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats brought up a possible solution to that issue.
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Steelers' George Pickens scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
Steelers Former Linebacker Discusses Trading For Hunter Renfrow
The Steelers have been without their elite route-runner Diontae Johnson since Week 1, and the rest of the receiving core has struggled in his absence. They have still found ways to make splash plays, but they are not consistently gaining separation and getting open for Kenny Pickett. Johnson recently had his 21-day activation period opened up to return from injured reserve, so he should be back on the field soon. However, Moats brought up the possibility of the Steelers trading for Las Vegas Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow to take over part of role for both Calvin Austin III and Allen Robinson II.
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Steelers trade target, Hunter Renfrow.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Renfrow made a Pro Bowl in 2021 after putting up over 1,000 yards receiving and hauling in nine touchdowns. In his two seasons before that, he also put up decent numbers as a non-starter for the Raiders having over 600 receiving yards in both years with a few scores. However, in 2023, he has been very under-utilized in the Raiders offense, which has sparked some rumors about him possibly being traded.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III
Austin III is still adjusting to playing in the NFL, as he missed his entire rookie year in 2022 due to injury. Robinson II is a veteran with a high IQ, and has been a consistent target for Pickett in short yardage situations. Both have shown some weaknesses so far this season though. Austin III has struggled to get open on short and intermediate routes while Robinson II is limited in what he can do once he has the ball in his hands. Renfrow would solve both of these issues as Moats discussed on his podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience With Deke.
"If we bring in Hunter [Renfrow], I do feel like Hunter plays more now. I do think that hurts Calvin a little bit because that is going to stunt his growth, and I don't know if I would necessarily want to do that. I kind of like the idea of him growing with Kenny."
What Austin III has shown so far in 2023 is that he has a lot to improve on, which is understandable as a young player who already missed a full season. Even though Renfrow might be a better option for the Steelers at this moment, it is still important to give Austin III the chance to grow as a player and within the offense. When it comes to Robinson II, who has been a very consistent receiver for Pickett, Renfrow would give the Steelers more upside as he is a better player once he has the ball in his hands.
"I do think Hunter would give me a little bit more at this stage than Allen Robinson with the ball in his hands."
Robinson II has caught 17 balls for the Steelers in 2023 for 137 yards. He is averaging 8.1 yards per reception with very little yards coming after the catch. This is an area Moats could see Renfrow helping the Steelers, even once Johnson makes his return from injured reserve. The Steelers would certainly benefit from that if they are trying to actively win now, which is another aspect Moats touched on.
"It depends on what we are trying to do. If we are exclusively focused on winning this season regardless of what it would do next season and going forward, then you make the move."
When Moats talks about what it would mean for next season, he means what it would cost to trade for Renfrow and additionally what it would mean to take on his contract. With the way Renfrow is being under-utilized by Las Vegas, the initial trade cost probably would not be anything more than one or two late-round draft picks, which should make the possibility of trading for Renfrow enticing for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' trade target Hunter Renfrow would come with a price.
Renfrow signed a two-year, $32 million contract extension with the Raiders prior to the 2022 NFL season. He has a $13.1 million cap hit for the 2023 season, which the Steelers obviously would not be paying the full price of as the season is a third of the way through. He also carries a $13.7 million cap hit in 2024, which might be the main factor in steering the Steelers away from making this move. If they do trade for him, there is a chance they can get the Raiders to eat some of his remaining contract, so he wouldn't cost so much for Pittsburgh.
What do you think of this possible trade for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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