The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to make a serious Super Bowl run during Aaron Rodgers' final NFL season, but general manager Omar Khan cannot afford to ignore the team's biggest weakness. Pittsburgh needs another wide receiver, and its upcoming bye week gives the front office an opportunity to address the position before the NFL trade deadline.
The Steelers have enough talent to compete with the AFC's top teams, but their receiving corps has become a concern. Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are on injured reserve, leaving rookie Germie Bernard with a larger role than expected. Bernard has an opportunity to develop into a reliable contributor, but Pittsburgh should not expect him to carry the passing game this early in his career.
DK Metcalf has also struggled to provide the consistency Rodgers needs. His costly dropped pass against the Cleveland Browns, which turned into an interception, was another frustrating moment for a receiver expected to lead the group. Pittsburgh won that game comfortably, but the mistake reinforced why the Steelers cannot afford to settle for their current situation.
Rodgers deserves another weapon, especially with his career approaching its end. The Steelers have leaned heavily on Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle to help carry the offense, but they need a more dependable passing attack to compete against the strongest defenses in the postseason.
1. Omar Khan has several wide receivers worth targeting
The good news for Pittsburgh is that there are several wide receivers worth monitoring before the deadline. Josh Downs, Brian Thomas Jr., Jauan Jennings, Dontayvion Wicks, Chris Godwin Jr., Stefon Diggs, and Quentin Johnston are all potential names to consider if their respective teams become willing to negotiate.
Downs would give Rodgers another option who can create separation and provide a reliable target underneath. Thomas offers the possibility of adding another downfield threat, while Jennings could bring a physical presence and experience to the receiving room. Wicks is another intriguing name who could benefit from a change of scenery and provide Pittsburgh with another option in its passing game.
Godwin would give the Steelers an experienced receiver who has already proven he can produce in a high-level offense. Diggs also brings plenty of experience, while Johnston could offer another opportunity to add size and athleticism to the group. These are different types of receivers, but Pittsburgh should explore the market rather than limit itself to one potential target.
Not every name will be available, however. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has said he is not listening to trade offers for anyone right now, making Johnston a difficult target to pursue. The New York Jets have also indicated they are not trading Garrett Wilson, so Pittsburgh should not waste time expecting that situation to change.
Khan needs to identify which teams are actually willing to negotiate and determine what it would take to complete a deal. The Steelers should be willing to make a reasonable investment for a receiver who can help them win now.
2. A George Pickens reunion is not the answer
One name Pittsburgh should avoid pursuing is George Pickens. A reunion might sound appealing to some Steelers fans, especially with the team's current need at wide receiver, but bringing him back does not automatically solve the problem.
Pickens and Rodgers would not necessarily be a good fit together, and Pittsburgh should recognize that some reunions are better left alone. The Steelers have already moved on from Pickens, and Khan should focus on finding a receiver who fits the current offense rather than revisiting a previous relationship.
There are enough other names to explore that Pittsburgh does not need to make a move that could create more questions than answers. The goal should be to give Rodgers another dependable option, not add another potential distraction to an offense that needs consistency.
Article Continues Below3. The bye week is Omar Khan's opportunity
Pittsburgh cannot control every team's willingness to trade, but it can control how aggressively it searches for help. The bye week gives Khan time to evaluate the available receivers and determine whether a deal can be completed before the deadline.
Rodgers is not going to have any more opportunities to chase another championship, and the Steelers have a roster capable of making a deep postseason run. Letting the receiving corps remain a weakness would waste an opportunity to improve while the team is still in position to compete.
Metcalf can still turn his season around, and Bernard deserves time to develop. However, neither should prevent Pittsburgh from adding another proven playmaker. Pittman and Wilson will eventually provide more depth when they return, but the Steelers need help now.
Khan has a chance to make a move that could change the outlook of Pittsburgh's offense. Whether that means pursuing Downs, Thomas, Jennings, Wicks, Godwin, Diggs, or Johnston, the Steelers need to find a receiver who can help Rodgers make the most of his final NFL season.
The bye week is the time to get it done.