Steelers Could Have A Captivating Option At Receiver If Brandon Aiyuk Trade Falls Through

The Pittsburgh Steelers have clearly done their due diligence on available receivers, as they are still enthralled in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers about Brandon Aiyuk. The Aiyuk saga doesn't seem like it will end anytime soon, as he is still trying to negotiate a new contract in San Francisco. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan may have to look elsewhere for help at receiver, and he may have to wait until other teams around the league make their final roster cuts. 

At one point it looked like a certainty that Aiyuk would be heading to Pittsburgh, now nobody has any insight on how the situation will unfold. Khan may need to start to prepare to look towards other teams for help at receiver, or accept to move on with the position group as it looks today. NFL media personality, Gregg Rosenthal, provided an interesting option that the Steelers could look into once final roster cuts come around.

Jahan Dotson is a third-year receiver who the Washington Commanders selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has shown some glimpses of being able to be a major contributor in the NFL, but hasn't quite lived up to his first-round value. There has been some chatter about the organization being unhappy with Dotson's development, which Rosenthal insinuates could lead to him not being on the 2024 roster.

Dotson faces some competition in the wide receiver room, and he is also in a strange predicament. Washington is entering a new regime. The current general manager, head coach, and ownership were not a part of the organization when Dotson was drafted. There is no emotional tie to the receiver, and cutting him wouldn't be the current regime admitting their own mistakes. It'd be them fixing the damage done by those in their positions before them. 

The receiver has started 29 games since joining the Commanders, and he has hauled in 84 passes. His rookie season was impressive in 2022, but he suffered an injury and was only able to play in 12 games. He recorded 523 yards and seven touchdowns. In his second season, he played in 17 games and saw less production than his injury-riddled rookie year. He had a clear regression, and the coaching staff has been waiting for him to bounce back during training camp.

Dotson faces competition from the other receivers on the roster. Dyami Brown is competing for the wide receiver two job after missing the entire 2023 season, third-round pick Luke McCaffrey is also in the conversation, and free agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus has been opening some eyes in camp. It's very realistic that the new regime in Washington decides to part ways with Dotson, who may benefit from a change of scenery.

Steelers Should See Several More Options Arise At Receiver Once Rosters Are Cut Down

If the Aiyuk trade cannot be completed before the start of the regular season, Khan should plenty of options once rosters are cut down. Teams around the league are ready to move on from some receivers, and that group could include Kadarius Toney of the Kansas City Chiefs. He has struggled during his time with the Chiefs, and seems like a reclamation project for Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

Another option is a veteran in Robert Woods of the Houston Texans. Woods is in a crowded position group in Houston; and there is a ton of star power ahead of him on the depth chart. The Texans also have younger, unproven receivers they may want to give a chance. This will fill up roster spots. He likely won't make much of an impact on that team, which makes him a strong cut candidate. 

Would you like to see the Steelers pick up Dotson if he is cut? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation