The Pittsburgh Steelers have a pressing issue on the offensive side of the ball whether they find a way to win one, or multiple, playoff games in the coming weeks, or not. Regardless of how the team enters the offseason, it's clear that the wide receiver position is going to need to be updated once the new league year begins in March. Free agency will likely have some options such as Tee Higgins, but General Manager Omar Khan should also have the opportunity to trade for a dynamic pass-catcher, something that he wasn't able to do through the long break following the 2023 campaign.
George Pickens has all of the talent in the world, but no one is quite sure if Pittsburgh will want to continue to deal with the wideout's antics moving forward. On top of his questionable demeanor in the locker room when speaking with reporters, the receiver had one of his worst games as a professional on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals, hauling in just one catch for zero yards. He also dropped three passes.
While fans want to upgrade the room, bringing in another potential diva wide receiver could lead to backlash, but it's impossible to ignore when a huge name ends up desiring a trade. The Miami Dolphins missed the playoffs in 2024 and had an all-around rough season. Tyreek Hill was not happy about it, and told reporters on Sunday that he's ready to move on.
“I’m opening the door. I’m out bro, Hill told the media. "It was great playing here, but at the end of the day I got to do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there.”
It's hard to imagine a player coming out and saying that immediately after a season ends, and returning to the organization the following season. Hill is expected to be available in the trade market, and the Steelers will be one of the most mentioned teams when it comes to the veteran. He may have some questions surrounding him, but there's no doubt that, when given the chance, he is extremely dynamic.
Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke to the media following the game and when asked about Hill, insinuated that he wouldn't want someone there that isn't interested in being a part of the team.
"There will be conversations that will be direct in the next couple of days," McDaniel said. "There's a lot of power in having a team that wants to play together and go for a common goal."
The Steelers have plenty to figure out if the season ends up as a complete dud, and with a first-round playoff loss. With that said, one area that is imperative to improve in regardless will be the receiving corps. It's possible that the front office uses the trade market, free agency, and the draft to address the situation. It's not even a guarantee that Pickens is back, given his recent antics.
Hill is frustrated and wants to be a part of a new organization; his comments made that very clear. Pittsburgh will need help when it comes to the pass-catchers in 2025, and Hill is an electrifying potential option. His attitude and occasional problematic distractions could cause some pause for Khan, but there's no doubt that the general manager could be interested.
Steelers Might Not Have To Give To Much Up For Hill
The Dolphins' wide receiver is under contract through 2026, which makes him more than just a one-year rental player. With that, he is also 30 years old. he still seems as quick as ever, but no team is going to give up an early-round pick for someone who could be on his final contract in the NFL. Khan could work his magic and, if the financials make sense, land Hill via trade in the coming months.
