Should the Steelers Acquire a Wide Receiver at Trade Deadline?

With Tuesday being the day of the trade deadline, the Steelers and the rest of the NFL will close the book on trades as an option to improve the team for the rest of the season by the end of the day. But does it make any sense for the group to add a wide receiver? Pittsburgh has seen a lack of production outside of their proven playmakers, and while the top two are a strength, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III have receded in recent weeks. While most point to cornerback and safety as the area for a trade, the receiver could be an area to boost, too. Here are three names that could make some sense in that lane.

Hunter Renfrow, Raiders

The Raiders have been looking to move Hunter Renfrow for months. Their standout slot receiver has played sparingly in the Josh McDaniels offense, and with little to no role in the room anymore, Renfrow could be one of the names on the move. Renfrow is in the second year of a three-year contract he signed with the team. While not an elite player and generally not a player that can do much outside of the slot, Renfrow has excellent hands and runs crisp routes.

If you think of all the players the Steelers have tried to fill into that slot role but ended up being mediocre, Renfrow is the guy they have been looking for in that regard. There is no doubt Pittsburgh has familiarity with him from his days at Clemson and playing him multiple times with the Raiders. A trade in this lane, given the contract, would likely be inexpensive and could boost the team’s offense at the deadline.

Richie James, Chiefs

The Chiefs need receiver help, and the fact that they are not turning to Richie James more is a sign of alarm bells. But he is reportedly looking to be on the move. After suffering an MCL sprain, James landed on injured reserve but seemed to be close to coming back. Of all the options listed, he is the lowest swing at a move. James can get open but has spotty hands. His flashes with the Giants last year, though, gave optimism that he can play both inside and outside, plus he has return experience.

So, again, this one is a cheap option for the Steelers, who have two seventh-round picks, if they decide they want to hop into the waters and make a low-risk move at receiver. But James has not played in over a month, and when he has played, inconsistencies abound that could shy them away.

Parris Campbell, Giants

Campbell is a speed element that Pittsburgh has in Austin, but Austin’s lack of polish is showing. This is the de facto rookie year for Austin, even if the Steelers will not admit it. He is going through the growing pains of a rookie with his route running and will have to polish that. In the meantime, Campbell offers an attractive high floor as a guy who can give the Steelers speed and YAC ability. He had a career-high 623 yards with the Colts last year. But Brian Daboll and the Giants have fazed him out.

Again, this is not a flashy move and would cost the Steelers nothing. But if they want to add something to the room, maybe it makes sense.

Honestly, the targets out there are not that plentiful. There are others not listed, like the Panthers’ Terrace Marshall, Marquise Brown, and others, but it’s likely the Steelers will want to see more of Austin as the season goes along. That should be the way it goes, anyways.