Pundits have linked the Pittsburgh Steelers to wide receivers potentially on the NFL trade block for quite some time. That hasn’t changed even with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offensive excelling with a tight end-centric attack.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday the Steelers are pursuing adding a wide receiver at the league’s trade deadline.
“The Steelers are, once again, in the market for a receiver, sources say,” Rapoport wrote. “Their offense has thrived by featuring multiple tight ends, but the addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense.”
Top wideout DK Metcalf leads the Steelers with 22 catches this season. However, he’s the only receiver in Pittsburgh’s offense who is ranked in the top five in receptions for the unit.
Steelers No. 2 receiver Calvin Austin III is sixth for the team with 10 catches. Roman Wilson is third among Steelers wideouts and eighth on the team with four grabs.
Of Rodgers’ 14 touchdown passes this year, only seven of them have gone to receivers.
Clearly, the Steelers could use another outside playmaker.
Steelers Pursing WR Addition for Aaron Rodgers
Part of why the Steelers don’t have a lot of production at WR2 is because Austin is currently dealing with an injury. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since the fourth quarter of Week 4 because of a shoulder ailment.
That injury, though, just highlights how little depth the Steelers have a receiver.
A former third-round pick, Wilson has come on a little the past couple games. But mostly, the Steelers passing offense is Metcalf and the team’s tight ends.
On Thursday, Rodgers threw four touchdowns, all of which went to three different tight ends.
Running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren have been significant contributors to the Steelers passing game as well. Gainwell and Warren are ranked second and fourth on the team, respectively, in catches.
If the Steelers could add a wideout, then they would gain additional insurance if Austin continues to be sidelined. Should Pittsburgh acquire an experienced veteran receiver, then the offense would have the ability to play three wide receiver sets more often once Austin returns as well.
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