CBS Sports: The desperate Steelers Close in to Sign WR Amid Trade Deadline

Before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh is reportedly planning to make a play for one of these three standout wide receivers.

The NFL trade deadline is in a few days, so it’s not unexpected that rumors are circulating. When it comes to possible wide receiver trades before the deadline of 4:00 p.m. ET on November 5, the Pittsburgh Steelers are at the forefront of rumors.

Omar Khan and the front staff have been searching for ways to improve their wide receiver room ever since they traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 offseason. Nothing materialized despite expressing interest in players like Davante Adams and Branon Aiyuk.

NFL Insider Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda claims the Steelers are interested in one of three wide receivers: Darius Slayton, Mike Williams, or Courtland Sutton. The trade deadline is less than a week away.

Although each player would provide Pittsburgh’s stale wide receiver area more depth, what kind of effect might they have on the team? Let’s look at the three speculated possibilities.

Giants’ Darius Slayton

Slayton has the fastest speed to win down the field out of the three names Pauline cited in Steelers trade speculations. Russell Wilson, who has previously demonstrated that quarterback won’t hesitate to throw moonballs down the sideline, might make an intriguing partner for this.

Slayton’s 100-yard performance against the Steelers on Monday Night Football in Week 8 was a clinic. We are aware that Mike Tomlin favors players who perform poorly for his squad and has some recency bias when assessing talent.

Slayton would be a fantastic addition to Pittsburgh’s offense and a perfect fit. Because of his quickness and ability to win down the field, Pittsburgh would be able to dominate the rushing game and force teams to play Cover 2.

Jets’ Mike Williams

Mike Williams is the least pleasing choice among the group, despite being the least expensive. Since he is the fourth wide receiver on a struggling Jets offense and hasn’t produced anything noteworthy since the 2022 season, acquiring the experienced wide out might not be more expensive than a late-round choice.

After only three games in 2023, Williams sustained an ACL injury, and it appears that the 6’4″ wide receiver is nearing the end of his playing days. At his peak, Williams would most likely be a better version of either Allen Robinson II for Pittsburgh last season or Van Jefferson this year.

This is a low bar, and a low-end wide receiver trade would only serve to satisfy the position’s need due of Williams’ incapacity to generate space at the top of his routes and his lack of talent after the catch.

Broncos’ Courtland Sutton