Steelers May Go Back To San Francisco At The Trade Deadline As Interesting Name Becomes Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not shown any shame when it comes to their desperation for help at the wide receiver position. They have rumored or reported to check in on nearly every name that becomes available throughout the league, and it all began with the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Pittsburgh was trying to trade for the receiver throughout the offseason, but Aiyuk wound up signing a new deal in San Francisco instead.

Pittsburgh is still needy at receiver. They tried to land Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders, but he was dealt to the New York Jets. There are some other names that should be available around the league which include DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and maybe even Cooper Kupp. NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that another wide receiver in San Francisco may be available in Deebo Samuel.

Russini had a segment in her article where she listed some names to watch at the trade deadline, which is where she listed Samuel. Other wide receivers that were mentioned include Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, Treylon Burks, and Hopkins. Any of these players could be options for Pittsburgh, aside from Johnson, as there is a rule that states a player can't be traded by a team and then reacquired via trade until two years have passed.

Samuel is an interesting name to hear that may be available. He is a big part of what the 49ers do on offense, mainly because of his ability as a wide receiver and as a runner coming out of the backfield. In addition to Aiyuk, Samuel's name was also mentioned in trade talks throughout the summer as the 49ers were trying to figure out what to do with their wide receiver situation. 

The 49ers have a ton of money invested in their offense, and when taking a look at their roster, it is clear to see that Samuel is the odd-man out. Aiyuk just signed his big extension ahead of the 2024 season, and the organization also signed Jauan Jennings to a two-year deal during the 2024 offseason. Christian McCaffrey got an extension as well. Samuel is only under contract through the 2025 season, so it is completely feasible to see the 49ers trying to move on.

San Francisco also spent a first-round pick on a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft in Rickey Pearsall. The rookie has yet to play after getting shot shortly before the 2024 season kicked off, but he is a serious investment by the organization which could mean the end of Samuel's time in San Francisco.

Steelers Could Use A Dynamic Player Like Deebo Samuel In Their Offense

Samuel has been one of the most exciting players in the league since being drafted back in 2019. He is a unique receiver in that he will often line up out wide, but he also lines up at running back and gets a decent amount of carries. Over his six-year career, he has recorded nearly 4,500 receiving yards, over 1,000 rushing yards, and 40 total touchdowns.

He is a lot like Cordarrelle Patterson - but much better as a wide receiver, as it is his primary position. His speed and explosiveness could seriously open up Pittsburgh's offense. A trade for a player like Samuel is hard to evaluate because of everything he brings to the table, and it would also likely include a new deal for the sixth-year receiver. 

The 49ers wanted a deal featuring a second-round pick for Aiyuk, and they would likely ask for the same for Samuel. Since they have Aiyuk, Jennings, and Pearsall locked up, they may be more open to compromising and accepting a third-round pick if it is the best offer available. If this is all it takes to land the wide receiver, Khan should be on that immediately.

Would you want the Steelers to trade for a player like Samuel at the deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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