NFL Draft: Could A Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Be Traded?

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Current State of the Steelers' Wide Receiver Room

The Steelers' wide receiver depth chart presents a complex picture. Analyzing the Steelers wide receiver depth chart reveals a mix of established talent and question marks. Let's examine the key players:

Roster Analysis:

• Diontae Johnson: A proven, reliable receiver, but his contract situation might make him a trade candidate. His high production comes with a high salary cap hit.
• Chase Claypool: Possesses impressive size and athleticism but has struggled with consistency. His trade value is a key factor in the Steelers' considerations. His potential to be a number one receiver elsewhere could make him attractive to other teams.
• George Pickens: Showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, but his development remains a work in progress. His youth and potential may make him untouchable in a trade.
• Calvin Austin III: A smaller, speedier receiver, he has yet to prove himself at the NFL level.

Bullet Points:

• Player Strengths and Weaknesses: Johnson's reliability contrasts with Claypool's inconsistency, while Pickens offers high potential but needs more game experience. Austin's speed is his primary asset, but his overall impact is yet to be seen.
• Contract Details: Johnson’s contract demands significant cap space. Claypool is entering a crucial contract year, increasing his trade value.
• Potential for Internal Competition: The competition between these players for targets could influence the coaching staff's decision regarding potential trades. The Steelers WR roster is deep, and this competition could force a move.

The Steelers' Draft Needs and Strategy

The Steelers' draft strategy will significantly impact any potential wide receiver trade. Examining the Steelers draft strategy reveals a team with multiple needs.

Draft Priorities:

The Steelers are likely to prioritize bolstering their offensive line and linebacker corps in the draft. Acquiring additional draft capital through a trade could allow them to address these needs more effectively. Trading a receiver would allow them to move up in the draft or acquire more picks to select multiple players in these critical positions.

Bullet Points:

• Analysis of their draft picks: The Steelers have several draft picks, allowing flexibility in their approach. Trading a receiver would give them more capital in the draft.
• Potential draft targets at other positions: The Steelers might target top offensive linemen or linebackers to shore up their defense.
• The team's history of draft-day moves: The Steelers' front office has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves on draft day, further increasing the probability of a trade.

Potential Trade Candidates and Their Value

Several Steelers wide receivers could be considered trade candidates, each with varying levels of trade value.

Analyzing Individual Players:

• Chase Claypool: His size, speed, and potential make him an attractive trade asset. His inconsistent performance might limit his return to a mid-round pick and a potential player swap.
• Diontae Johnson: His high production could attract a team looking for a reliable receiver, however, his contract might demand a significant return, making this option less likely.

Bullet Points:

• Player performance metrics: Johnson’s high reception numbers and Claypool's occasional big-play ability are key factors.
• Potential trade return: A second or third-round pick could be realistic for Claypool, while Johnson might command a higher price, assuming the Steelers are willing to eat some of his contract.
• Teams that might be interested: Teams needing receiving help, particularly those with extra draft capital, could be interested in acquiring either player.

Factors Influencing a Potential Trade

Several factors beyond the players themselves will influence the Steelers' decision-making process.

Coaching Staff Decisions:

The Steelers' coaching staff's offensive scheme and player preferences will significantly impact trade decisions. Their public statements regarding their assessment of the current receiving corps will offer insight into their thinking.

Front Office Decisions:

The Steelers' front office needs to weigh the potential benefits against the downsides of a trade. Salary cap management and the desire to acquire more draft capital to address pressing needs will be crucial considerations.

Bullet Points:

• Coach's public statements about the wide receiver position: Any comments from the head coach about the team's confidence in their current receivers could offer valuable clues.
• General manager's past trade history: Examining past trades made by the general manager might reveal potential patterns in their decision-making.
• Impact of the salary cap: The Steelers' salary cap situation will strongly influence their willingness to trade a high-priced player like Johnson.

Conclusion: The Verdict on a Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Trade

The possibility of a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trade remains a distinct possibility leading up to the NFL Draft. While the Steelers have some talented receivers, their need for additional draft capital to shore up weaknesses elsewhere on the roster, combined with the potential financial implications of some players' contracts, makes a trade a realistic scenario. Whether it's Claypool or even Johnson, the Steelers front office faces a crucial decision.

Do you think the Steelers will trade a wide receiver in this year's draft? Share your predictions and analysis of a potential Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trade in the comments below!