The Pittsburgh Steelers have shocked many people so far this season. Even the most optimistic fan didn't necessarily have them at 3-0 with Justin Fields as their quarterback. However, they have been making surprising choices since the 2023 season ended.
First, they swept their quarterback room clean and started from scratch. Then, they offered Patrick Queen the largest free agent contract in team history. The decision to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson wasn't much of a surprise, but the decision not to pick up another solid number two receiving threat was.
They are headed into Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, and many think they need to find another pass-catching option soon to partner with George Pickens. For the first three weeks, they have made do with depth, like Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, and Van Jefferson. They also have the newly drafted Roman Wilson.
NBC Sports analyst Mike Florio recently reiterated how critical it is for Pittsburgh to find another strong receiver. He joined The PM Team w/Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan to express his concerns about what he saw against the Chargers.
"They need to do something," exclaimed Florio. "I talked to Calvin Austin after the game on Sunday because he had that big play, the 55-yard catch and run; I didn't realize it, but they went into the game with four receivers, and Cordarrelle Patterson is sort of number five. Then Van Jefferson gets hurt early, and they had three receivers. Three true receivers for the balance of the game. You can't have that. You need more depth and it can't be George Pickens, Calvin Austin and Scotty Miller. You need somebody else to go along with Pickens. I'd like to think if the Steelers continue to ride high like this, they'll try to find an opportunity to take advantage of the chance to upgrade the position."
Pittsburgh was heavily involved in trade talk for Brandon Aiyuk during the 2024 offseason, but no one else has been seriously considered since he re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers. A multitude of names have been floated about as possibilities for who the Steelers might get. This is particularly true of receivers on teams that aren't performing well and are nearing the end of their contracts: Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper, and DeAndre Hopkins were mentioned to Florio.
Florio believes that the Cincinnati Bengals will turn it around, despite currently being 0-3, so he thinks that Higgins will be sorted out and stay. Cooper, who plays for the Cleveland Browns, might be out just because they are a division rival. Florio thinks it is likely that the Browns might not want to trade with the Steelers.
"DeAndre Hopkins is intriguing. You know he's lost a step, but he never really had one. He's not a guy that's ever been a deep-threat, field stretcher. He's just a guy who's open even when he's covered, and you throw him the ball, and he helps you move the chains."
Hopkins has been on a few teams since being drafted in the first round in 2013 and is currently with the Tennessee Titans. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and has been named a First Team All-Pro three times. While he is 32, he is an interesting possibility. While the Titans are 0-3, Hopkins is showing he's not ready to hang up his cleats just yet.
Steelers Could Offer A Trade
Since Fields has been so successful under center so far this season, many have suggested that the Steelers trade quarterback Russell Wilson. Florio suggested that the right team might come along and make an offer that Pittsburgh can't refuse.
He said that Wilson's storied career might be so attractive to a team that is desperate for a quarterback that they make an offer that includes a solid receiver. This could be a team that seems to have all of the pieces they need, except a steady veteran to manage their offense. That certainly appeared to be the Steelers' plan when they signed Wilson.
