Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been increasingly concerned about the wide receiver position behind George Pickens, especially after the offseason trade of Diontae Johnson left a noticeable gap in depth. These concerns led to the team becoming deeply involved in trade talks for San Francisco 49ers star wideout Brandon Aiyuk.

Candice Ward / USA Today Sports
Raiders' Davante Adams celebrates after a big first down.
Despite multiple attempts and several close calls, the Steelers ultimately missed out on acquiring Aiyuk, leaving fans disappointed. However, there is renewed hope that Pittsburgh can make a splash by trading for Las Vegas Raiders superstar Davante Adams, potentially bringing his elite talent to the Steel City to bolster the receiving corps.
On Tuesday, Adams publicly expressed his desire to be traded from the Raiders. While reports indicated that no immediate action is expected and there’s not a bunch of urgency surrounding the situation, it remains something worth monitoring closely. Many Steelers fans have already speculated about whether Pittsburgh might pursue Adams.
Meanwhile, I'm told the #Steelers do have preliminary interest in at least discussing a potential trade for #Raiders WR Davante Adams, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 2, 2024
Pittsburgh is separate from comments made by sources yesterday in this ongoing thread. https://t.co/Vw5qjsrw0T pic.twitter.com/kN9cNvc77d
On Wednesday, Josina Anderson released a new report confirming that the Steelers do, in fact, have interest in acquiring the star wide receiver. The level of interest is defined as preliminary according to what Anderson has heard. This means that Omar Khan and the front office are at least open to reaching out.

Nick Cammett / Getty Images
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on before a game.
Adding a playmaker like Adams would be a game-changer for any team able to trade for him, and the Steelers are no exception. While Pittsburgh's offense has shown resilience and the ability to attempt comebacks, it has lacked explosiveness so far this season.
Beyond Pickens, there’s growing concern about the lack of a reliable second wide receiver, and many aren’t convinced the Steelers have a true WR2. Acquiring Adams would immediately address these issues and elevate the entire offense.
Can The Steelers Even Afford Raiders' Davante Adams?
Currently, the cost to trade for Adams would be $13.5 million for the 2024 season. However, if he’s moved at the trade deadline, that price drops to $8.6 million.
Acquiring #Raiders WR Davante Adams
— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 1, 2024
2024 Cap/Cash
Now: $13.5M
Deadline: $8.6M
2025: $36.25M (non-gtd)
2026: $36.25M (non-gtd)
The longer it takes to trade Adams, the cheaper he becomes, which is something Pittsburgh may need to consider. The Steelers have $10.56 million in available cap space for 2024, so bringing Adams in sooner would require some contract restructuring, a move they are certainly capable of making.

Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields stands on the sideline during a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Adding Adams would provide much-needed support for Pickens and ease the pressure on him. It would also be a huge boost for quarterback Justin Fields, who has performed well in his first four games with the Steelers.
As the situation with Adams unfolds, it will be interesting for Steelers and football fans alike to see how it develops. The news that Pittsburgh has expressed interest is exciting, as it signals they are in the running for the star wide receiver.
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