The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ wide receiver situation has once again stolen attention heading into the season. The team has DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, and Roman Wilson ready to lead the way, along with tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. That is a solid group of pass catchers for Aaron Rodgers to work with, but many fans remain concerned about depth and the inevitable injuries that occur in the NFL. In a league where it is truly next man up, even one significant injury can dramatically affect a team’s offensive production.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) and wide receiver DK Metcalf (left) smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
This concern over depth is why many fans were hoping the Steelers would make another major trade or sign a veteran wide receiver during the offseason. Despite having talent on the roster, uncertainty surrounding secondary targets has kept the fan base on edge. The offense could thrive if everyone stays healthy, but relying on a handful of receivers is always a risk. Steelers fans wanted assurance that the team would have options if injuries hit early in the season.
On Tuesday, new details emerged revealing that the Washington Commanders reportedly made a wild trade offer to Steelers General Manager Omar Khan. This rumor comes from 93.7 The Fan. According to a former NFL assistant GM who chose to remain unnamed, the offer included a second-round draft pick and Freiermuth in exchange for star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
“But one thing that did get thrown out at me from a guy who used to be an assistant General Manager in the NFL, was the following trade proposal: He thinks Washington floated this to the Steelers and it got quickly shut down…. He thinks Washington pushed for this deal and the Steelers were the ones who laughed at it.”
Such a blockbuster move would have dramatically reshaped Pittsburgh’s offense, but the team ultimately decided to pass, leaving fans to wonder whether the Steelers will pursue other ways to bolster their passing attack. Regardless of whether the trade proposal was real, as the former assistant GM claims, the Steelers would have been unwise to accept it.
Rick Osentoski / ap photo
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is seen watching from the sidelines during a road matchup in the 2024 NFL season, appearing contemplative as the game unfolds without him on the field.
Trading a young tight end and a second-round pick for a talented but now 29-year-old wide receiver who would demand top-tier money at the position would have been financially imprudent for the organization. That is likely why the team quickly dismissed the idea of such a wild trade. Still, it is intriguing to see that Pittsburgh may have been presented with a path to acquire McLaurin, even if it would have been a clearly bad deal.
Steelers’ 2025 Season Set To Draw Tons Of Extra Attention
The 2025 season is drawing a lot of attention, largely due to the addition of new faces on offense such as Rodgers and Metcalf. The two are expected to form a lethal duo, but concerns remain about the depth beyond Metcalf. That is why many Steelers fans feel that adding one more offensive weapon would provide greater comfort heading into the season.
Steelers.com
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan addresses members of the media with confidence and transparency, sharing insights on the team’s strategies, offseason moves, and vision for the future of Pittsburgh football.
If the Steelers see a good deal that makes sense and improves their roster, they will take it, but for now, they appear to be staying patient. Khan is as aggressive as they come as of late. Steelers fans can rest assured, he’s got his eyes set on bringing a Super Bowl back to Pittsburgh. Whether it can happen in the 2025 season remains to be seen. However, anything is truly possible in the NFL.
Would you have wanted the Steelers to make this crazy trade with the Commanders for McLaurin? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.