Steelers Have Another New Wide Receiver Trade Candidate Emerge Down In Jacksonville

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers were ready for wide receiver trade talk to settle down after Brandon Aiyuk signed a new deal with the San Francisco 49ers. Not too far into the 2024 season, rumors started flying regarding Davante Adams, and he was eventually traded to the New York Jets. Now, as the trade deadline is quickly approaching, General Manager Omar Khan is running out of options to improve the pass-catchers' room. It will be interesting to see what the front office decides to do, and if bringing in a middle-of-the-pack wideout is what the team ends up pursuing.

After a Week 8 contest against the New York Giants, Pittsburgh will have the advantage of going into the bye week will extra time to focus on the trade deadline, rather than a Week 9 opponent. Set for November 5th, the Steelers should be active regardless of what happens on Monday Night Football versus the Giants. A name is quickly emerging as a legitimate option for wide receiver-needy teams.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Saturday evening that there are two names that are garnering significant interest in the trade market. One of them is a former Steelers wideout, but the other name is the one to keep an eye on.

"The two receivers who have generated the most conversation so far are Carolina's Diontae Johnson and Jacksonville's Christian Kirk, league sources told ESPN," Schefter wrote. "It wouldn't be a surprise to see at least one of -- and possibly both -- Johnson and Kirk traded by the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline, continuing a trend of wide receiver being the most in-demand and tradeable position."

Diontae Johnson is unable to be traded back to Pittsburgh due to an obscure NFL rule, but Christian Kirk is an interesting name to pay attention to. Kirk isn't having his best season, but has a respectable 25 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown. The Jacksonville Jaguars' offense has been stagnant, and the right system for Kirk to thrive in may be Arthur Smith's.

Kirk is an intriguing name and could bring some more versatility to the Steelers' offense, but his contract may be somewhat of an issue. His base salary is $15.5 million in 2025, and then he will be a free agent entering the 2026 offseason. Pittsburgh can make the money work if he is the top target, but other players may be more affordable now and in the future.

The Steelers desperately need another weapon in the passing attack. George Pickens was unlocked with Russell Wilson starting in Week 7, but the offense is probably just one more legitimate threat away from being a formidable offense for the first time in years. Khan must do everything in his power to locate the right fit around the league that is available via trade. That might just be Kirk.

Pittsburgh's bye week will come at the perfect time as the team will enter a brutal stretch. At one time, it seemed as if the final eight games would be a gauntlet, but now the surprising Washington Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, have been thrown into the mix in Week 10. To keep up with some high-powered offenses in the second half, acquiring a pass-catcher that can make a difference could prove to be critical.

Steelers' Dominant Defense Can Only Keep Offense Afloat For So Long

In two poor defensive lapses early in the season, Pittsburgh lost back-to-back contests. It's not always going to be perfect for the defense, and the offensive performances of the last two weeks could allow for an error here and there from the defense. If the team is able to put up 24 points or more week in and week out, it will be extremely hard to beat going forward. The last piece to the puzzle could absolutely be Kirk, or another difference-making wide receiver.

Do you think Khan and the Steelers will trade for a wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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