NFL Draft 2024: Will A Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Be Traded? Insider Report

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Evaluating the Steelers' Current Wide Receiver Roster

The Steelers' wide receiver room presents a complex picture, with established veterans and promising young talent. A Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trade hinges on the team's evaluation of these players and their potential value in the trade market.

Diontae Johnson's Contract Situation

Diontae Johnson is a key figure in any discussion of a potential Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trade. His contract status, performance, and overall value will heavily influence the team's decision.

• Salary Cap Hit: Johnson's current contract carries a significant salary cap hit, making him a potential cap casualty if the Steelers seek to free up resources for other positions.
• Production Statistics: While Johnson has shown consistent hands and reliable route-running, his touchdown production has been a point of concern. His reception numbers are strong, but ultimately his overall value must be weighed against the cost.
• Potential Suitors: Teams looking for a dependable slot receiver with proven NFL experience could be interested in acquiring Johnson. His contract, however, might limit the pool of potential suitors. Teams with significant cap space and a need for a veteran presence will be the most likely candidates. Comparing his contract and production to players like Jakobi Meyers or Allen Robinson can provide a clearer picture of his trade value.

George Pickens' Emerging Role

George Pickens' rookie season showcased explosive potential. This makes him an intriguing prospect, but also a less likely candidate for a trade.

• Rookie Season Performance: Pickens demonstrated impressive deep-ball ability and contested-catch prowess, hinting at a bright future.
• Upside: His potential as a No. 1 wide receiver is undeniable, making him a valuable asset for the Steelers.
• Trading Pickens - The Risk/Reward: Trading a player with Pickens' potential would be a significant risk, unless the return is exceptionally high. The Steelers are more likely to build around him than trade him away at this stage in his career.

Chase Claypool's Departure and its Impact

The trade of Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears midway through the 2022 season provides valuable insight into the Steelers' decision-making process and might offer clues about their approach to potential Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trades in 2024.

• Reasons Behind the Trade: The Steelers likely sought additional draft capital to address other needs on their roster. Claypool's production wasn't meeting expectations, making him expendable.
• Steelers' Regret?: Whether the Steelers regret the trade remains a subject of debate among analysts and fans. His subsequent performance in Chicago will likely influence future trade decisions.
• Future Plans: Claypool's trade suggests the Steelers are willing to move receivers if they believe it benefits the team's long-term goals. However, they may be more cautious about trading young, high-potential players like Pickens.

The Steelers' Draft Strategy and Needs in 2024

The Steelers' draft strategy will significantly impact the likelihood of a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trade.

Addressing Other Roster Holes

The Steelers have several pressing needs beyond wide receiver. A trade could provide the draft capital needed to address these deficiencies.

• Primary Needs: Offensive line, linebacker, and potentially defensive back are all areas where the Steelers could use upgrades.
• Potential Draft Targets: The Steelers could target high-value prospects at these positions in the early rounds of the draft. The draft capital gained from a wide receiver trade would significantly improve their ability to acquire these players.
• Critical Positions: Strengthening the offensive line and linebacker corps might be prioritized over further bolstering the wide receiver position, making a trade more plausible.

Potential Draft Picks at Wide Receiver

The 2024 NFL Draft boasts several talented wide receiver prospects. The Steelers could choose to draft a receiver rather than trade an existing one.

• Top Wide Receiver Prospects: Keeping an eye on the top college wide receivers in the upcoming draft will be key to assessing this approach.
• Develop or Acquire?: The Steelers' preference for developing young talent versus acquiring established veterans will influence their decision on whether to draft or trade for a wide receiver.

Market Demand for Steelers Wide Receivers

The trade value of any Steelers wide receiver depends on the market demand.

Teams Needing Wide Receiver Help

Several teams might be in the market for a wide receiver, potentially creating competition for Steelers players.

• Teams with Needs: Teams that lack consistent receiving threats will be looking for upgrades. Their existing roster, cap space, and draft pick situation will influence their willingness to engage in a trade.
• Cap Space and Draft Picks: Teams with ample cap space and high draft picks are better positioned to make competitive offers.
• Potential Fit: A Steelers receiver's skillset must align with the needs and offensive schemes of potential suitors.

Trade Value Estimations

Accurately predicting trade value is challenging, but considering comparable trades and player values provides a reasonable estimate.

• Draft Pick Estimates: Depending on the player involved (Johnson vs. Pickens), the Steelers could receive anywhere from a mid-round to a high-round pick in return. Age, contract length, and recent performance will be crucial factors.
• Factors Impacting Trade Value: A player's age, remaining contract, and recent performance are all factors that influence their perceived trade value.

Conclusion

The question of whether a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver will be traded in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft remains a compelling one. While the Steelers possess promising young talent and established veterans, their roster needs and the potential trade value of their wide receivers suggest a trade isn't entirely out of the question. The team's draft strategy, the market demand, and the players' individual performance will be key factors determining the final outcome. To stay informed about the latest developments on this and other crucial decisions impacting the Pittsburgh Steelers, keep checking back for further updates on potential Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trades.