With the post-June 1 designation period quickly approaching, the search for another big-time playmaking receiver continues.
On the "Up & Adams Show" yesterday, both host Kay Adams and renowned NFL analyst James Palmer discussed the idea of the Steelers adding another playmaker alongside George Pickens. In his analysis, however, Palmer asserted that, from a historical standpoint, the team has rarely made trades for players in the receiver position.
"It'd be against what we've seen in his history in Pittsburgh. I mean they just don't do it. Doesn't mean they won't but they just haven't over the years."
Palmer also pointed out the fact that the team has rarely spent high draft capital on receivers in the last few years. The last receiver they selected in the first round was in 2006, when they took Santonio Holmes Jr. out of Ohio State.
One of the names mentioned by Adams in the segment was Seattle Seahawks' star D.K. Metcalf, who signed a three-year, $72 million contract extension with his current team in 2022. Though trading him post-June 1 would save the Seahawks $15 million in cap space, there have not been any indications of their intentions to move on from them. The other name mentioned was San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is reportedly looking for a $30 million-per-season contract.
Many speculate that they are not making the receiver position a priority, due to Arthur Smith's offense, which is primarily structured around tight ends and receiver. The hopes in this respect is that tight end Pat Freiermuth becomes the type of offensive weapon which would nullify the need for another receiver. If such a move happens for the Steelers, it would likely be prior to the beginning of training camp begins in mid-to-late July.
Many feel that they are not prioritizing the receiver position because Arthur Smith's offense is primarily designed around tight ends and running backs. The goal is that Pat Freiermuth emerges as the type of offensive weapon that eliminates the need for another receiver. If the team decides to trade for a receiver, it will most likely do it before training camp starts in mid- to late July.
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