The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves lacking reliable depth in the wide receiver room. After announcing that four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will officially be in Pittsburgh this season on a one-year deal, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff are expected to turn their attention towards finding another offensive weapon to complement DK Metcalf. With the current wide receiver room consisting most notably of Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Metcalf, Pittsburgh has been rumored to explore their options on both the trade and free agency markets.
One name who continues to emerge as a potential trade candidate for Pittsburgh is Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin, a six-year veteran, would instantly become an elite option next to Metcalf. The former Ohio State star had an elite season in 2024 as well, posting 1,096 yards and a career high 13 touchdowns.
Despite multiple reports stating that the Commanders are not expected to be interested in a trade involving McLaurin, the Steelers are predicted to become a top suitor should the star receiver be made available. With elite speed and phenomenal playmaking ability, McLaurin would prove to be a major addition to the Steelers' offense.
As rumors continue to circulate throughout the football world, NFL analyst Adam Crowley gave his thoughts on a potential McLaurin deal.
"If he were to become available, Dorin this is your solution right here," Crowley explained to co-host Dorin Dickerson. "He has five seasons in his career with over 1,000 yards, that's five in a row. It's like Mike Evans. Mike Evans did it for 12 straight years. A lot of bad quarterbacks in Washington. The only year he didn't have over 1,000 yards was when he had 900+ in his rookie season."
Crowley then went on to speak about McLaurin's fit with the Steelers, claiming the Commanders star would be the perfect option across Metcalf.
"This is a great route runner, he could be a big play guy, he would be the perfect complement to DK Metcalf," said Crowley. "So if he is available, and if the Steelers want to win now, but also set up your franchise perfectly for your next quarterback, imagine that dude. And if I'm Terry McLaurin I'm like okay, I'll play one year with Rodgers, Hall of Famer, four-time MVP. Got DK Metcalf on the other side, so a lot of the coverage is going to go that way. And then if I'm a rookie quarterback coming in here, you got a young and talented offensive line, you got those two guys as a staple, you got Pat Freiermuth, you got a young running back in his second year, that's a pretty good nest."
Despite McLaurin currently remaining unavailable, the Steelers are expected to be a top team in the mix for the star receiver should Washington choose to move him. With the start of training camp continuing to grow closer, fans should continue to monitor McLaurin's situation with Washington closely, as things can change very fast.
Steelers Have Other Offensive Options Available
As Washington remains hesitant to move McLaurin, Pittsburgh is expected to remain in discussions with multiple free agent wide receivers. One name who continues to emerge as a legitimate option for the Steelers is former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver, Gabe Davis. Davis recently visited Pittsburgh last week, but reportedly left the facilities without a deal.
Davis, who spent a lone season with the Jaguars last year, may prove to be a cheap and serviceable option. He had a shaky season in 2024, but he previously shined during his time in Buffalo with Josh Allen.
Another name who continues to emerge as an option for Pittsburgh is former Chicago Bears receiver, Keenan Allen. Allen, who is widely regarded as the top receiver still available on the market, would be an elite option. A six-time Pro Bowler and 12-year veteran, Allen may prove to play a major role off the field as well, as the former Bear would be an excellent mentor for both Austin lll and Wilson.
