The Pittsburgh Steelers have missed out on yet another potential wide receiver trade target as it was reported on Wednesday morning that the Tennessee Titans would be sending DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs. Trades in recent weeks have seen a couple of big-name pass-catchers on the move, but General Manager Omar Khan has not been involved in a successfully-negotiated deal. It's possible that he and the Steelers are next, but based on how the organization traditionally does business, fans won't be surprised if no trade comes to fruition and Khan simply passes at the deadline.
With all of the talk surrounding the Steelers and the potential quest to land a wide receiver in a trade, many have not thought about which player(s) the franchise could part ways with at, or before, the deadline. It's not expected for a playoff contender to let a current piece of the puzzle move on to another team, but it could be possible for Pittsburgh in 2024.
Brooke Pryor, who covers the team for the ESPN, contributed to a trade deadline article put together by the network. She mentioned an interesting name when referring to which player could be on his way out.
"Wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Let's be clear: Because of injuries creating a lack of depth at previously flush positions, the Steelers don't have a legitimate trade candidate on their roster right now," Pryor wrote. "The only scenario that makes Austin, or any other player, a tradeable asset is if trading him away gains a more established player at the position. Could Pittsburgh package Austin with a late-round pick to acquire a solid veteran No. 2 receiver?"
Calvin Austin III came up a couple of times when the Steelers were allegedly pursuing Brandon Aiyuk, but the issue is that Austin hasn't shown much during his time in the Steel City. With that said, his rookie contract will be up after 2025 and if shipping him off to another team is what is necessary to avoid giving up significant draft capital for an upgrade, it has to be considered.
Austin was one of the heroes in a Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He hauled in four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Aside from that matchup, he hasn't done much to truly earn himself more targets on the field. It is interesting to note that if the Los Angeles Rams part ways with Cooper Kupp, Austin could be an attractive piece to include due to his speed and ability to play in the slot.
Normally a team wouldn't be willing to part ways with someone who plays a position that is a weak spot on the roster, but the Steelers might be that desperate for a legitimate second option in the passing game. Pairing a pick with Austin for the right trade target could make perfect sense if the shoe fits. Fans wouldn't be significantly upset if the former fourth-round pick finds a new home.
There will be plenty of rumors flying around in the coming days and weeks regarding the trade deadline. Pittsburgh will be involved in plenty of them due to the glaring need for a wideout. It will be interesting to see if Khan ends up pulling the trigger on a deal or stays away from acquiring a new player.
Steelers' Khan Put Team In Rough Spot With Trade In March
Maybe it was evident that wide receiver Diontae Johnson was going to be traded in the 2024 offseason, but that doesn't help the notion that it was the wrong decision. Pittsburgh desperately misses his route-running and ability to create separation. There was no true plan to find his replacement, and it doesn't help the front office that Roman Wilson has done absolutely nothing in his rookie season.
