The Pittsburgh Steelers have more work to do, even after an already productive free agent period so far in 2024. The receiving core still needs more attention after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers. They did sign Van Jefferson, but it still seems like they need more. Jefferson is seemingly more of a depth signing, and the Steelers want a dominant force to pair up with George Pickens. They could draft one of the many stud receivers that are available in the draft class, or they could make a trade for one of the top receivers in the league.
Bruce Kluckhohn / ap photo
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Justin Jefferson warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN.
In his personal Q&A chat, Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the possibility of the team talking to Justin Jefferson. He said that the team obviously would not talk to him directly, but they are looking at receivers that they can trade for.
"You can't negotiate with a player when he is employed by another team. But I do think the Steelers are doing their due diligence on the WR trade market. They have to do that given that the WR room currently consists of George Pickens, Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson."
At the very least, it doesn't hurt to ask. Even if they can't get Justin Jefferson, there are plenty of options available on the trade market. Nearly every player in the league can be acquired with the right price. Whether or not Omar Khan can get them at a value he is comfortable with is to be determined, but it makes sense that he's trying to get the best receiver he can.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
Steelers Are Linked To At Least One Top Receiver Option
After his family complained about his usage in the Super Bowl, Brandon Aiyuk has been listed as an option on the trade block. If the rumors about him being malcontent are true, the Steelers might be able to get him at reduced value. Khan could for sure potentially be in negotiations for the top wide receiver from the NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers.
Aiyuk even made a social media post on Tuesday, implying that he would possibly want to come to the Steelers and play for Mike Tomlin. That could reduce his value even more for the Steelers, similar to how the Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Steelers, as they only gave up a conditional sixth-round pick because Fields specifically requested to be a Steeler.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
It also helps that Aiyuk will be a free agent after 2024. The 49ers wouldn't want to extend someone that's upset with the team. Khan has all the leverage in the world. If he wants Aiyuk, he will find a way to make it happen. If the Steelers can land him for less than a first-round pick, it could be a huge win for the Steelers' offense.
Whether or not the Steelers can acquire Aiyuk, it's safe to say that they have backup plans. There are many receivers that will be available via trade. Even if that doesn't work, they still have many opportunities in the draft. They will have coaches and scouts all over the country, scouting receiver prospects at their Pro Days. They could even trade up to select one of the best receivers in the draft class.
At very least, Khan is testing out the market, seeing if anyone is available for any reason, and what the price would be to acquire him. They probably have a long list of plans for finding a receiver to wreak havoc in the secondary with Pickens. Rest easy Steeler Nation; the Steelers will find a quality receiver like they always do.
What do you think about Omar Khan and the Steelers looking to trade for a high-end wide receiver? Will they make it happen? Let us know in the comments.
#SteelerNation.
