The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot on their plate during this NFL offseason. Although most of the talks have surrounded their need to keep key players like running back Le'Veon Bell around for the long haul, it seems they may decide to part ways with others.
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant made headlines during the 2017 NFL season when he reportedly demanded a trade after venting his frustration regarding a lack of a role in the offense. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, among the potential suitors for Bryant at the time had been the wide receiver-hungry Buffalo Bills. They now could emerge once again as a possible trade partner.
A late-second-rounder or low-third could help the Steelers — who have been brilliant drafting receivers for much of the past decade — identify a new vertical threat. Perhaps the Buffalo Bills, who were trying to get involved last year, could oblige.
Despite Bryant's vocal criticisms, head coach Mike Tomlin was adamant about wanting to keep him in Pittsburgh. As a result, the Bills were then forced to deal for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin in exchange for a third and seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Although it did not happen at the time, Bryant may finally get his wish this offseason. Rumors have started to swirl about the Steelers fielding offers for their troublesome wideout. Despite his track record, Bryant has still managed to establish himself as one of the most explosive receivers in the game.
While acquiring Benjamin helped boost a mediocre Bills receiving corps, he is hardly the deep threat that Bryant is. With quarterback Tyrod Taylor seemingly on his way out this offseason, it is clear that head coach Sean McDermott is looking to stretch the field more than the team has in recent years. That said, they will need a downfield playmaker like Bryant in order to do so.
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