The Steelers Should Consider Acquiring These 3 Wide Receivers

The Steelers have filled most of their primary needs, but one position on offense that could still use some help is the wide receiver position. D.K. Metcalf should be a top-notch WR1 for years to come, but the depth behind him is lacking. Perhaps Robert Woods still has juice left in the tank, and it’s possible we see an explosive-level emergence of Calvin Austin III and/or Roman Wilson, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

The receiver market was not super deep to begin with, and the options are not growing in number. Nonetheless there are still several prime options available, and the Steelers could certainly use an upgrade at WR2. Here are the options I like the best for the Steelers.

Amari Cooper

I have stated Cooper is the best option for the Steelers for quite some time, and I still stand on that. Cooper is not what he was just a couple short years ago, but before injuries and the trade to Buffalo came into play in 2024, Cooper was still playing at a very high level. He was still the bona fide WR1 for a team that had an emerging Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, which is more than the Steelers have as a WR2 or WR3. For the first time since the early part of Cooper’s time in Dallas, he would enter a season without the pressure of being the top receiving option. He would see almost exclusively single coverage, and he certainly has enough in the tank to fulfill a WR2 role. This is a move the Steelers need to bring into reality.

Allen Lazard

This one would require a trade, but we know how much Aaron Rodgers trusts Lazard. He would certainly get behind a move like this. It is true that he is not the best compliment to D.K. Metcalf, but with Rodgers, trust is more important than skill set. Lazard is not a player I would sell the farm for, but if it is for a future late-round pick, I could find it justifiable based on the upside he’d bring to the table in 2025. He would walk into the Steelers locker room and immediately become the WR2 in this offense. Having the pre-built chemistry with Aaron Rodgers will speed up the learning curve as well.

Adam Thielen

I would probably wait until the trade deadline for this one, but Thielen has aged quite gracefully up to this point in his career, and he still provides a consistent presence in the short and intermediate areas of the field. His contract is up at the end of 2025, which could indicate the end of his career. If Carolina is not in serious contention by the end of October, they may be willing to part with one of their veteran pieces for pennies. There is also a scenario in which one or multiple of Jalen Coker, Tetairoa McMillan, and Xavier Legette emerge as reliable weapons and Thielen will not be in as high of demand. Regardless of scenario, Thielen is an underrated piece that would mesh well with a veteran receiver like Rodgers.