Steelers Could Look To Snatch Up A Former First Round WR That Needs A Supportive Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many needs left to fill this offseason, including wide receiver. They traded their former starting receiver, Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for cornerback Donte Jackson. The trade was a strategic move, considering Johnson's disgruntled state and Carolina's offer of a fresh start. It also saved the Steelers some cap space to put toward other needs.  

In 2023, second-year receiver George Pickens surpassed Johnson in productivity. Now, Pickens is the only starting-caliber receiver on the roster. The Steelers did add a few veterans to the team, notably Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, but they are primarily for depth and are unlikely to fill Johnson's role. 

While most analysts agree that the Steelers will select a receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft, there have been many rumors about the Steelers trading for a veteran. The one who has come up most often is Brandon Aiyuk from the San Francisco 49ers. Not only is Aiyuk a dynamic pass catcher, but there is also an uncanny resemblance to Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Another name however, that emerged as Aiyuk talk died down was Treylon Burks from the Tennessee Titans.

Former Steelers linebacker, Arthur Moats recently spoke about it on his podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience, when asked if he thinks the team should consider a trade for Burks. The Titans' head coach and offensive coordinator recently commented that the receiving corps needed to improve. They spoke about plans for the future, and Burks wasn't mentioned. The media has taken those comments as the team saying they don't wish to move forward with Burks and will be looking to unload him on another team. 

"I remember him more out of college. I feel like he's been banged up, though, and that's why he's been missing time. We know the quarterback play they had down there was bad, too. I feel like he's had a lot going on after he was asked to be their one after AJ Brown," said Moats. "Plus he's not fast; he's more of a Drake London type."

Moats found the lukewarm comments from his coaches to be telling, but felt that the lack of enthusiasm was valid. Burks has underperformed during his first two seasons and has been injury-prone. He missed significant time since arriving in Tennessee due to injury.

Like Pickens, Burks is entering his third season in the NFL after being drafted 18th overall in 2022 out of Arkansas. Burks has the potential and came into the league seemingly having all the raw talent in the world. That includes excellent footwork, and like Pickens, he has a knack for making contested catches and picking up yards after the catch. 

Deke, Moats' co-host, said he thought Burks would be vastly more productive when he came out of college. He felt he was that kind of scrappy, tough player the Steelers love. While both agree that they prefer receivers faster than Burks, they were impressed by the "dangerous" things he could do in open space. 

"He's a dope player. I just didn't think he had enough of the juice. But if we are talking fourth or fifth (round pick), then I'm like yeah. It's low risk, high reward. He could push; he could definitely have a chance."

Moats feels that if he can click with the Steelers, he has the potential to surpass Pickens. The Steelers are known for developing wide receivers, so they might be one team that can get him on track.  

Pittsburgh might even grab two more receivers before training camp starts. The Burks trade would allow them to add a young veteran, but still draft a receiver in a later round to help round out the roster.   

Steelers And Brandon Aiyuk Rumors Losing Steam

The Steelers were noted to be the odds-on favorite to land Aiyuk, but there were also lots of more subtle signs. There was the funny social media post directed at Tomlin and endless rumors that he is unhappy, wanting to move on from the team that drafted him in 2020. 

However, according to his agent, Aiyuk has yet to request a trade from San Francisco. This hasn't stopped teams from reaching out to the 49ers and asking his price. According to reports, Aiyuk wants a new contract and not just the original $14.1 million fifth-year option. While he may be a good fit for Steel City, his price tag might be too steep. This is why someone like Burks might be a more reasonable option. 

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