The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently sitting near the top of the AFC, and in first place in the AFC North after the Baltimore Ravens were upset by the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Despite the success of Pittsburgh in 2024, the team still has clear holes on its roster that need to be filled. A position that needs to be upgraded is wide receiver as the production behind George Pickens has been inconsistent, and even nonexistent at times.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens during practice ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets in 2024.
General Manager Omar Khan wants to upgrade the wide receiver position. His pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk leading up to the start of the 2024 season proves this. He also showed interest in Davante Adams before he was dealt to the New York Jets. Khan is expected to land a wide receiver before the NFL's trade deadline on November 5th, and the list of available players is beginning to dwindle.
One of the names that has been mentioned to be available is Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was productive during the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Jaguars, but he seems to have been less involved in 2024. This is part of the reason he was said to be available. However, during Jacksonville's Week 8 game against the Green Bay Packers, Kirk was injured. He was seen after the game with his right arm in a sling, and the injury could be serious.
Christian Kirk -
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 27, 2024
Concern for higher grade Left AC sprain, Clavicle fracture. High impact into the ground, I expect him to miss time.
He was spotted with a sling post-game but no word on XRay results yet.
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This likely takes Kirk's name off of the list of consideration for Khan and the Steelers. Kirk will certainly miss some time, but it is just unclear how much. It already would have been a bit risky to acquire Kirk thanks to his contract. He is only signed through the 2025 season and his cap hit for 2025 is over $27 million. This is a big risk to take on, especially with the player already expected to miss considerable time.
Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) against the Los Angeles Chargers during a wild-card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field.
The veteran receiver would have been a good addition for Pittsburgh. He is a perfect complement to a receiver like Pickens. Kirk can play on the outside and inside, and he is a good route runner who can make things happen after the catch. He has been a contributor throughout his career as he has caught over 50 passes four times in six full seasons.
Hopefully Kirk can return for Jacksonville sooner rather than later, but he probably won't be going anywhere before the trade deadline. No team would give up draft capital for a receiver who is currently injured, especially with the financial risk that comes with acquiring a player like Kirk. Pittsburgh would also need to consider bringing a new deal to Kirk since his contract expires after the 2025 season.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Steelers Have Limited Options As The Trade Deadline Quickly Approaches
At this point it should be accepted that Pittsburgh won't be landing a big-name receiver. There was talk about the Los Angeles Rams dealing Cooper Kupp, but they are firmly in the running to win the NFC West so they likely won't be sellers at the deadline. More realistic options for the Steelers include players like Darius Slayton, KJ Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, or DeMarcus Robinson.
All of these options have the potential to come into Pittsburgh and contribute, but it is more of the same of what is already on the roster. Van Jefferson took a step forward in Week 7 with Russell Wilson, so there is a chance that Khan will stay put with the receiver that are currently in Pittsburgh.
What do you want the Steelers to do at the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments below!
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