The Steelers have yet to make a major addition to their receiving corps in 2024, but the team remains linked to several possible targets.
A number of names have emerged as potential trade options, with Christian Kirk reportedly being one before his season-ending injury.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Kirk was on the Steelers’ radar prior to his broken collarbone.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that Pittsburgh had a “reasonable chance” of landing Kirk, given the status of negotiations.
With Kirk now unavailable, the Steelers will need to explore other options.
Kirk found himself in trade rumors throughout the year, despite being under contract through 2025.
None of his base salary for that year is guaranteed, so an acquiring team could have potentially renegotiated his terms.
Now, the 27-year-old receiver will focus on recovering in time for his fourth season with the Jaguars next year.
After their summer pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk fell through, the Steelers were connected to other big-name receivers like Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp ahead of the trade deadline.
They also considered more feasible targets, such as Mike Williams. With Allen Lazard now on injured reserve, the Jets may be more inclined to keep Williams, but other receivers could still be available.
Pittsburgh has also shown interest in the Broncos’ Courtland Sutton and the Giants’ Darius Slayton, both of whom have frequently been the subject of trade speculation.
The Steelers’ WR room has been a question mark since the offseason, following the trades of Diontae Johnson and the release of Allen Robinson.
Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller were signed as depth options in free agency.
These newcomers join third-round rookie Roman Wilson, who has only played one game and was recently placed on injured reserve.
This situation has given Calvin Austin a larger role, with nearly as many targets through eight games in 2024 (25) as he saw in 17 games last year (30).
The 2022 fourth-round pick has averaged 18.4 yards per catch, serving as a deep threat alongside George Pickens.
Austin has also contributed on special teams, highlighted by his recent punt return touchdown against the Giants.
With close to $10 million in cap space, the Steelers are in a position to pursue a wide receiver addition.
According to Schefter, Pittsburgh is expected to continue exploring trade options despite the Kirk deal falling through.
An uptick in passing game efficiency could benefit the Steelers’ offense, which may come with more consistency for quarterback Russell Wilson.
That said, his list of targets could still expand soon.
