1 Of Steelers' Top Available WR Trade Targets Just Got More Expensive

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a roll during the 2024 season. Despite a quarterback controversy, the team sits atop the AFC North at 5-2. After beginning the season with Justin Fields thanks to a Russell Wilson calf injury, the team did what no one expected and won four games. Head Coach Mike Tomlin boldly decided to switch quarterbacks once Wilson was fully healed and started him in Week 7 against the New York Jets. 

This created outrage amongst the fan base as they were confused about how reasonable it is to bench a winning quarterback. Tomlin said during his press conference that this wasn't a decision made against Fields, but rather one that allowed the team to assess both quarterbacks and determine what kind of offensive weapon it has in Wilson. 

Wilson looked much better than many expected during his 2024 debut. He took shots down the field and involved numerous receivers, including George Pickens, Darnell Washington, Van Jefferson and Pat Freiermuth. This was refreshing to see. However, it highlighted that Pittsburgh needs to find another strong receiver. 

The organization has been shopping for one all season after failing to sign a number two during the offseason. First, it was Brandon Aiyuk, and then it was Davante Adams, who had to watch his team lose to the Steelers two weeks in a row after being traded to the Jets. The question rolling around the day after the win is, "How much better could they be with someone other than Pickens?" 

According to Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show, the franchise must find someone before the trade deadline. He joined Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson on the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show to discuss the win and how desperately the Steelers need another receiver to partner with Pickens. Kaboly believes that the Steelers will, and should, make a play for Jets receiver Mike Williams. 

"I don't see why not," Kaboly agreed. "But here's the thing: guess who suddenly comes back into play? San Francisco. Aiyuk's hurt, and JuJu [Smith-Schuster] got hurt, so all of a sudden, Kansas City needs somebody else. So maybe Mike Williams' price tag just went up a little. If you can acquire him, I don't care. Just get anybody in that room right now who has any type of talent at all. If you're giving up a sixth or seventh-round pick, eating a couple of million bucks, that's fine. You have to find somebody else to bring in, even if some of those guys played decent yesterday. I say go for it, and I think they will. If it's not him, it's going to be somebody."

Williams was essentially a non-factor in the loss to Pittsburgh, with one catch for 15 yards. Williams' name has come up before as a possible trade target, particularly with the addition of Adams. Still, there are questions about whether or not he is the right caliber of player for Pittsburgh. The Steelers already have a lot of depth pieces. They lack a player who can come close to what Pickens can do before the offense faces tougher defenses after the bye. 

Steelers Could Also Pursue A Former All-Pro Receiver

Numerous receivers other than Williams have been floated as potential trade targets for Pittsburgh. One who has come up recently is Adam Thielen, who is currently with the Carolina Panthers. 

Thielen is recovering from a hamstring injury, and it appears the Panthers will open his 21-day return window in the upcoming week. The Panthers are currently 1-6 and at the bottom of their division. It wouldn't be a surprise if they started to offload players for a draft pick or two. 

Thielen was reliable and steady during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, with 534 catches for 6,682 yards. He is also a drama-free player who could help mentor Pickens. 

Do you agree that the Steelers need anybody else as a receiver? Click to comment below. 

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