Is A Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Headed Out The Door During The NFL Draft?

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

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Evaluating the Steelers' Current Wide Receiver Roster

The Steelers' wide receiver group boasts a mix of established talent and exciting young prospects. However, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses is crucial to understanding potential trade scenarios. Diontae Johnson, a consistent target, is a reliable possession receiver, but his contract situation could make him a tempting trade chip. Chase Claypool, despite flashes of brilliance, has yet to fully live up to expectations, leading to speculation about his future in Pittsburgh. George Pickens, on the other hand, showed immense promise as a rookie, offering a big-play threat that could solidify his position on the roster.

• Diontae Johnson: 107 receptions, 1,161 yards, 1 touchdown in 2022. Contract: Entering the final year of his deal. High production but potentially expensive to retain long-term.
• Chase Claypool: 32 receptions, 311 yards, 1 touchdown in 2022. Contract: Entering the third year of his rookie deal. Inconsistency raises questions about his long-term value to the team.
• George Pickens: 52 receptions, 801 yards, 4 touchdowns in 2022. Contract: Under rookie contract. High potential, but still developing.

The combination of player performance, contract status, and salary cap implications makes this position group ripe for strategic maneuvering.

Potential Trade Candidates Among Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receivers

Several Steelers wide receivers could be considered trade candidates. Chase Claypool’s inconsistency and the team's need for draft capital make him a prime candidate. While Diontae Johnson is productive, his contract situation could force the Steelers to explore trading him to prevent a potential cap crunch. However, the Steelers may prefer to keep their young, promising talent, George Pickens.

• Chase Claypool: His trade value might be higher than previously anticipated after a slightly improved season, although his inconsistencies are a concern. Potential trade partners might include teams needing a deep threat.
• Diontae Johnson: Trading Johnson would free up significant cap space but could leave a hole in the team's receiving corps. Teams looking for a reliable slot receiver might show interest.
• Potential Trade Compensation: For Claypool, a mid-round pick might be realistic. For Johnson, a higher pick or a package including a player could be possible.

The Steelers' front office will weigh the potential draft capital gained against the cost of losing a productive receiver.

The Impact of the NFL Draft on the Steelers' Wide Receiver Room

The Steelers' approach to the NFL Draft will heavily influence their wide receiver situation. If they draft a wide receiver early, it could signal that one or more current players are expendable. Conversely, a lack of early-round wide receiver selections might indicate the team is committed to its current group, or plans to acquire an impactful receiver through other means like free agency.

• Potential Draft Prospects: The Steelers might target a receiver with speed to complement their existing players, or another skilled pass catcher to bolster the group's overall talent.
• Impact of a High Draft Pick: A high draft pick would increase the competition within the wide receiver room and potentially push a veteran player down the depth chart, making a trade more likely.
• Steeler's Draft History: The Steelers have a history of drafting wide receivers, so this year's draft could very much impact the current roster.

The draft is a pivotal event that will ultimately define the landscape of the Steelers’ wide receiver room.

Analyzing the Steelers' Off-Season Moves and Their Implications

The Steelers' off-season activity provides further context to the wide receiver trade possibility. Any significant free agency signings or releases impacting the offensive scheme will affect the need for a trade.

• Key Off-Season Moves: The Steelers' front office will need to assess how the signings of other players (if any) will fit the current wide receiver group and the overall scheme.
• Long-Term Plans: The long-term strategy for the position will determine whether the team is willing to part ways with players for short-term gains.
• Impact of Coaching Changes: Coaching changes could also affect the role and value of current wide receivers.

A comprehensive assessment of these off-season factors is crucial for determining the likelihood of a trade.

Conclusion: The Verdict – Will a Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver Be Traded?

The possibility of a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver being traded during the NFL Draft remains a significant question. The team’s current roster depth, the upcoming draft, and their off-season moves all play crucial roles in shaping this decision. While Chase Claypool and even Diontae Johnson appear most susceptible to a trade, the Steelers' ultimate decision will hinge on the value they can extract in return versus the potential disruption to their offensive unit. The draft itself might be the catalyst. A high-value receiver selected early could make a trade inevitable.

What do you think? Will a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver be on the move during the NFL Draft? Stay tuned for more updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver situation and the NFL Draft!