Will Steelers move into the non-Davante Adams WR market?

The Steelers are one of several teams linked to one Davante Adams acquisition. However, the Raiders All-Pro would like to be awarded to the Jets and other suitors such as the Saints (with quarterback). Derek Carr and receiver coach Keith Williams) represent further attractive travel destinations.

Even if Pittsburgh doesn't sign Adams in the coming weeks, the team could still be in the market for a wideout. ESPN's Dan Graziano expects the Steelers to be a contender (though probably an underdog as things stand) for the six-time Pro Bowler when it comes to pursuing a trade deal. However, other veterans could be on the team's radar as the trade deadline approaches.

Graziano names DeAndre Hopkins And Christian Kirk as wideouts who could be on the move in the coming weeks. The Titans and Jaguars have combined to win just one game in 2024, and both teams could be a sell heading into the Nov. 5 deadline. In contrast, the Steelers, who are 3-1 this year, could be in the market for a veteran pass-catching player if they can continue their strong start. Given the way Pittsburgh's offseason went, adding an accomplished receiver would also be a good fit.

While replacing the entire quarterbacks room was the central element to how the spring went for the Steelers, the team made swaps Diontae Johnson and released Allen Robinson. This meant that there was a free starting place opposite George Pickensand the team made sustained efforts to take over Brandon Aiyuk. The outstanding 49ers vetoed the agreement that Pittsburgh and San Francisco had reached to complete a trade and ultimately stayed in the Bay Area. Since then, questions have arisen about the Steelers' secondary WR options.

Such as Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller and third-round rookie Roman Wilson have taken on deep WR roles so far. With Justin Fields As a starter, Pittsburgh has relied primarily on the ground game while ranking just 20th in passing efficiency. Adding an accomplished receiver could boost the team's offense, although of course finances would also need to be considered.

Hopkins is a pending free agent as his current contract includes three void years. The 32-year-old is tied to a salary of $8.27 million, so an acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that number. Hopkins had a strong debut season at Tennessee (1,057 yards, seven touchdowns), although his usage saw a decline in early 2024. The former Texan and Cardinal could be moved if he remained healthy, especially given Tennessee's long-term investment in Calvin Ridley this past offseason.

Kirk, a teammate of Ridley's in Jacksonville, lived up to his spectacular contract in 2022. However, the former second-rounder experienced a decline in performance last season, in which he was limited to 12 contests. The 27-year-old Kirk had a slow start to the current season, but has recorded a total of 15 receptions in the last two games. In 2024, he is entitled to the remainder of his salary of $14.5 million; Additionally, he has one year left on his contract, but has no guarantees and carries a cap hit of over $24 million. Therefore, an adjustment would be required upon arrival or in the spring for an acquisition team to commit to a Kirk trade.

With around $10.5 million in cap space, the Steelers are currently in the middle of the pack in terms of financial flexibility. A move aimed at adding a veteran receiver could be feasible (particularly later in the year as remaining salary on player contracts decreases), but it will be interesting to see if the general manager is on board Omar Khan makes significant changes to the team's roster if Pittsburgh continues to have success with its current offensive setup.