The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a huge issue to overcome before training camp.
Although George Pickens is the team’s
WR1, it’s unclear who will play beside him on the opposite wing, especially since Pittsburgh traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.
According to recent sources, the Steelers’ answer could be found in two of the San Francisco 49ers’ premier wide receivers.
Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel to Pittsburgh Steelers?
The Athletic just published a comprehensive article outlining the most pressing challenges that each of the 32 clubs faces as training camp approaches. According to analyst Mark Kaboly, the Steelers need to address their void at the WR position, and a blockbuster trade with the Niners could be the answer.
“The Steelers traded Diontae Johnson in the offseason, then created cap space before the draft with the assumption they would take a swing at a big-time receiver in either free agency or the trade market to play alongside George Pickens.”
Nothing materialized, and the Steelers enter training camp with a big question mark at the WR2 position.
Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Marquez Callaway will compete in camp, but winning will not preclude teams from bracketing Pickens.
Kaboly suggests trading for one of the 49ers’ receivers, such as Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, as they are unlikely to become a real second threat for Russell Wilson. Aiyuk has previously been linked to the Steelers, and now Samuel is being mentioned as a potential trade target for Pittsburgh.
There is a lot of uncertainty about these two stars’ futures in San Francisco, so it would definitely be in the Steelers’ best interests to act now while they still can.
It goes without saying that Pittsburgh will need to put together a huge trade package for one of these two experienced receivers.