NFL Draft: Could A Pittsburgh Steelers Wideout Be Traded?

4 min read Post on May 07, 2025

NFL Draft: Could A Pittsburgh Steelers Wideout Be Traded?

Analyzing the Steelers' Wide Receiver Depth Chart

The Steelers' wide receiver room presents a fascinating case study. Analyzing their current roster and draft needs is crucial to understanding potential trade scenarios.

Current Roster

The Steelers' wide receiver depth chart boasts a blend of experience and youth, but also some inconsistencies. Let's break down the key players:

Diontae Johnson: A highly productive receiver, Johnson has consistently put up impressive numbers. However, his contract situation – he's entering a contract year – could lead to trade discussions. His high production makes him a valuable trade asset, but the Steelers might struggle to find a suitable replacement. His potential trade value is high, but the cost of letting him walk in free agency next year is also significant.
George Pickens: A rookie with immense potential, Pickens showcased flashes of brilliance in his first season. He's a high-upside player, but his inexperience makes him less likely to be traded. The Steelers would likely want to see more before considering moving him.
Chase Claypool: Claypool's inconsistent performance and previous trade rumors make him a strong contender for a trade. While possessing the size and athleticism to be a major threat, his production has been disappointing, causing speculation about his future in Pittsburgh. His trade value is likely lower than Johnson’s, but a team looking for a potential deep threat might still be interested.

Draft Needs

The Steelers' draft needs at wide receiver will heavily influence any potential trades. Do they need to draft a receiver early? Absolutely.

Deep Threat: Adding a deep threat to stretch the field is a significant need. A successful trade could provide the draft capital to select one high.
Slot Receiver: While they have some options, a reliable slot receiver could significantly enhance the offense’s versatility.
Veteran Presence: The team could use a veteran presence to mentor younger players and provide consistent reliability. Trading a wideout would leave a gap and might require them to draft a veteran capable receiver.

Potential Trade Candidates and Their Value

Several Steelers wide receivers could potentially be moved before or during the draft.

Diontae Johnson Trade Scenario

Trading Diontae Johnson is a complex decision. While he’s highly productive, his contract situation and the potential of a first-round pick in return make him a viable trade chip.

Pros: Acquiring significant draft capital, resolving a potentially contentious contract situation.
Cons: Losing a highly productive receiver, potentially weakening the offense in the short term.
Potential Trade Packages: A first-round pick and a later-round pick would be a minimum return. Teams with immediate Super Bowl aspirations might offer more.

Chase Claypool Trade Scenario

Given his inconsistencies and past trade rumors, Chase Claypool is a more likely candidate for a trade.

Pros: Clearing cap space, potentially acquiring a draft pick.
Cons: Losing a player with potential, potentially sacrificing future production if the team doesn't find a suitable replacement.
Potential Trade Packages: A late round pick or a player swap might be the most likely outcome.

Other Potential Trade Chips

While less likely, other players on the roster, particularly less impactful receivers, could potentially be included in a package deal to sweeten the pot for a trade partner seeking additional assets.

Impact of a Potential Trade on the Steelers' Draft Strategy

A wide receiver trade would significantly reshape the Steelers' draft strategy.

Draft Capital

Trading a wide receiver will directly influence their draft capital.

Moving up in the draft: Trading a valuable receiver could provide the ammunition to move up and select a highly-rated player at another position of need.
Acquiring more picks: The Steelers could opt to trade a receiver for multiple picks in later rounds, allowing them to address multiple needs.

Roster Composition

Trading a wideout alters the offensive dynamics.

Increased opportunities: Other receivers would see increased targets and opportunities to showcase their abilities.
Shift in offensive strategy: The Steelers might adjust their offensive scheme to accommodate the change in personnel.

Conclusion

The possibility of a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver being traded before or during the NFL Draft is very real, influenced by a combination of roster depth, draft needs, and the potential trade value of players like Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. The Steelers must weigh the short-term impact of losing a productive player against the long-term benefits of acquiring additional draft capital or reshaping the offense. The decision will significantly affect their draft strategy and overall roster composition. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis on this developing situation! Keep following our coverage for more in-depth analysis of the Steelers’ draft strategy and potential Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver trades.