The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an eventful offseason, sparking plenty of optimism as the season approaches. While the roster looks strong overall, concerns linger about the wide receiver group. After trading away Diontae Johnson early in the offseason, many expected Omar Khan and the Steelers to bring in more help at the position. Although Pittsburgh added several speedy depth receivers, the issue remains that behind George Pickens, there’s no one who truly threatens opposing secondaries.
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.
The Steelers have been heavily involved in trade discussions throughout the offseason, with the biggest storyline revolving around a potential deal for San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. While it’s becoming less likely that Aiyuk ends up in Pittsburgh, reports have indicated that a deal has come close several times. There's still a chance but it seems more likely that the 49ers find a way to keep Aiyuk at this point. Now, another option may be emerging, with the Steelers potentially already engaged.
On Monday morning, Jordan Schultz reported that Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III has generated interest from teams around the league. Although it’s unclear if the Steelers are among those inquiring, given the current state of their wide receiver room, there’s a strong chance Khan has reached out to the Texans to explore the price for Metchie.
Sources: Multiple teams have reached out to the #Texans to see if WR John Metchie III would be available in trade due to the plethora of receivers on their roster. It’s unclear if Houston would move him, but several team are keeping a close eye.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 26, 2024
The former 2nd-round pick out of… pic.twitter.com/2CmV2nMrbY
The Texans selected Metchie in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Metchie had to miss his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He was cleared to attend training camp a year later and returned to the field in 2023. Although his opportunities were limited, Metchie showed flashes of excitement, finishing the season with 16 catches for 158 yards.
AP Photo / David J. Phillip
Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III jogs on the field as he warms up prior to a professional football game on the road.
Metchie is still young, talented, and full of potential. However, he’s currently part of a crowded wide receiver room in Houston. If the Texans are open to trading him and Khan can secure him for the Steelers at a great value, it would be an exciting move.
Still, it would leave questions about the Steelers’ need for a true wide receiver two. While some might argue that Pittsburgh already has receivers with similar skill sets to Metchie, others would view the trade as a slight upgrade to their depth.
Interest in Metchie appears to be strong. Despite facing significant adversity early in his career, Metchie has shown flashes of potential that make him an intriguing prospect. If the Steelers were to trade for him, he would add another speedy wide receiver option to their roster.
Steelers' Arthur Smith Is Expected To Spread Out The Targets By Committee
The Steelers’ wide receiver room has been a concern for analysts throughout the offseason. As the season opener approaches, fans are eager to see how Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will utilize this unit. Smith is expected to involve a mix of wide receivers and tight ends, with the plan after Pickens appearing to be a wide receiver-by-committee approach.
Steelers.com
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith working with George Pickens during training camp.
The Steelers are a team to watch as Metchie trade talks are likely to intensify. While it’s unclear how willing the Texans are to part with Metchie, their crowded wide receiver room may prompt them to consider a deal. It appears as if Khan and the Steelers would prefer help at wide receiver still. As options start to slim down, Metchie may be one of the more exciting options left.
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