Steelers Fans Get Bad News About Potential Incoming "Bargain Basement" Wide Receiver Acqusition

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been heavily involved in wide receiver trade rumors throughout most of the 2024 calendar year. There hasn't been much to show for it aside from shipping Diontae Johnson off to the Carolina Panthers. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to be involved before, or at, the trade deadline on Tuesday, and the most likely outcome is a deal that acquires a new pass-catcher. George Pickens has benefited from Russell Wilson taking over the reins as the starter, but one extra wideout that can get open will give Pickens the ability to really blossom and help put points on the board.

As fans anxiously await a potential move from the Steelers' front office, many pundits are speculating what the end result will be. The market for receivers had dwindled after the biggest names already were moved, so the idea of Pittsburgh trading for some massive difference-maker is unlikely. That has left a few options out there, but no one that is going to come in and consistently receive for 100 yards per game.

Team insider Mark Kaboly joined Adam Crowley on 93.7 The Fan's morning show on Monday and was asked if he believes the team is going to go after more of a depth piece rather than securing an eye-popping acquisition. Unfortunately, the reporter, who is well connected within the organization, expects it to be a rather boring trade.

"Yes. It's going to be a bargain basement deal," Kaboly said. "They're going to get a wide receiver and it's going to be somebody [and] you'll probably say 'Wow, is that all we can get?' It's not going to be anybody that is going to wow you."

This is what the fan base had dreaded. Being wrapped up in nearly every rumor regarding wide receivers has gotten the black and gold faithful ready for a huge acquisition. Now, it appears with the available options that a move will be made, but for someone who can step in and provide veteran experience while contributing a couple of catches per game down the stretch.

Names were brought up like Mike Williams and Tyler Boyd, but the two will garner interest around the NFL. Many teams are going to be in the market for a wide receiver and if the Steelers decide to take a cheap approach, the sexiest name out there could be someone as simple as Kendrick Bourne from the New England Patriots.

The Steelers' offense has been clicking on many cylinders during a three-game winning streak. One final piece to the puzzle could allow the unit to really turn into one that can be threatening to opposing defenses. The perfect fit will be necessary in terms of a wide receiver, but if an incoming pass-catcher isn't too much of an upgrade over Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, it might not even be worth the draft capital.

Pittsburgh could have the opportunity in 2024 to make a deep postseason run with a stout defense. That could hinge on the fact that a new receiver is brought in that can legitimately wreak havoc for the offense. The Steelers haven't been able to come up with a postseason victory since the 2016 campaign, and Khan needs to find out how to improve the offense in a way that will make the receiving corps more dangerous.

Steelers Enter Brutal Stretch Of 2024 Schedule

It was essential for Pittsburgh to have no less than five wins entering the Week 9 bye week. The team will take on all six divisional opponents as well as the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs in the final nine contests of the regular season. The window is open to even win the AFC North, which was originally thought to be impossible. Trading for a formidable wide receiver could solidify the Steelers as a true contender in the AFC.

Do you think that Pittsburgh will trade for a "bargain basement" wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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