Three Potential Steelers WR Trade Targets Skip OTAs
Three wide receivers that the Pittsburgh Steelers are interested in have skipped the first day of their respective team’s OTAs. San Fransisco 49ers wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, and Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton all skipped the first day of their team’s organized team activities while they seek new contracts. These developments may just benefit the Steelers.
The Steelers still have a glaring need at the wide receiver position as the team sits here in the OTA phase of the offseason. Yes, they drafted Roman Wilson with the 84th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft and have an emerging star in George Pickens in the room, the team needs a second true outside receiver. Wilson is likely to lineup in the slot for a majority of his snaps which leaves a huge hole opposite Pickens on the outside.
With all three of Aiyuk, Jennings and Sutton skipping OTAs, it seems almost certain at least one is traded from their current situation. If one does become available, expect the Steelers to at least call and figure out the asking price.
At one point or another this offseason, all three players have been linked to the Steelers as possible trade targets. While a lot of that came prior to the draft, that could play into the Steelers favor when it comes to what they would have to trade away.
RELATED: 49ers, Brandon Aiyuk Still Not Close on Contract Extension
The most expensive option out of the three would be Aiyuk. Not only for what the Steelers would have to send to San Fransisco, they would have to extend him at roughly $30 million per season. While it would give the Steelers a top-tier one-two punch at wide receiver, this seems like the least likely option.
Sutton would be a cheaper option for the Steelers than trading for Aiyuk. Additionally, Sutton spent the past two season in Denver with Russell Wilson. Like Aiyuk, the Steelers would have to extend Sutton if they traded for him but it would come in at a far lower number than $30 million per season. If the Steelers make a trade, this seems like the most likely option for them.
Jennings is the wildcard option for the Steelers. A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jennings has been overshadowed in San Fransisco by their multiple offensive stars. Having only one season with over 400 receiving yards, Jennings would cost the Steelers at least one draft pick and an extension so he may not be worth the risk.
Unless the Steelers think Quez Watkins or Van Jefferson can have a breakout year and become a starting caliber receiver, expect the team to add another player to the room prior to the start of the 2024 season.
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