Steelers’ Potential Trade May Emerge After Recent Receiver Struggles

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be 2-0 to start the season, but there are still ways that the team can improve.

The Steelers remain undefeated after beating the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos this season. Although they have played well, one obvious need for improvement has arisen at the wide receiver position receiver position.

George Pickens has caught eight passes for 114 yards through two games. Without the penalties in Week 2, he would have over another 50 yards and a touchdown. Aside from him, Pat Freiermuth and Jaylen Warren have been the team’s leading receivers, as receivers Calvin Austin and Van Jefferson have combined for an abysmal five receptions for 28 yards.

Pittsburgh should look to trade for Carolina Panthers veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, according to Sports Illustrated’s Noah Strackbein. 

“The Steelers might have an option, though,” Strackbein said. “They’ve already made one trade with the Carolina Panthers this year. But instead of sending a wide receiver to the NFC, this time, they could call about bringing one to Pittsburgh.”

“Instead, they should call about Adam Thielen. The 34-year-old has remained one of the most reliable and consistent pass-catchers in the NFL for nearly a decade. Last season, he had his third-most receiving yards with 1,014, adding four touchdowns, bringing his career total to 59, with 34 of those coming in the last four seasons.”

Thielen is a consistent option on a short-term deal who would be a great No. 2 for the Steelers. With the Panthers already benching their starting quarterback and likely looking to sell, Pittsburgh could likely give up a late-round pick for the veteran receiver.

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