The Pittsburgh Steelers have looked like a real Super Bowl contender nine weeks into the 2024 NFL season.
Quarterback Justin Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record while Russell Wilson sat out with a calf issue he aggravated a few days prior to Week 1. With Wilson back in the lineup, Pittsburgh has gone 2-0 and has arguably looked better than it did with Fields.
Wide receiver George Pickens has proven he can be the leading pass catcher for a winning team, recording 35 catches for 548 yards and a score through eight contests. But, the remainder of Wilson's receiving corps has been underwhelming, to say the least.
The Steelers' next-best receivers, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, have only secured 14 catches each on the season. With the Nov. 5 trade deadline approaching, Pittsburgh may want to look for another threat that could help Wilson and company down the stretch for their playoff run.
An ideal trade scenario pitched by Athlon Sports' Chris Licata would help fix this issue while giving Wilson someone with whom he has great chemistry.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett spent seven seasons catching the ball from Wilson. With Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf and rising star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks could afford to lose Lockett and get something substantial in return to help their playoff chances now or in the future.
"Lockett spent seven seasons catching passes from Wilson in Seattle, which included three straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns," Licata wrote. "The 32-year-old is in the first season of a two-year, $29 million contract, which carries tolerable dead cap hits for Seattle should they choose to move the All-Pro."
Through eight games, Lockett is still producing at a high rate despite now being the third option for Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The 32-year-old out of Kansas State has recorded 31 catches for 393 yards and a touchdown. In four of the previous five seasons, Lockett has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, three of which came with Wilson.
Lockett is in the first season of his two-year, $29.66M contract. If the Steelers were to pursue the veteran wideout, they would likely need to give up more than just draft capital to acquire the former All-Pro.
