Despite a significant setback in their efforts to acquire wide receiver Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain undeterred in their pursuit to strengthen their receiving corps before the NFL trade deadline. The initial plan to bring Kirk to Pittsburgh was thwarted when the receiver suffered a broken collarbone Sunday.
“The Steelers were in the process of trying to get a deal done for Christian Kirk, and league sources told ESPN there was a reasonable chance that the Jaguars wide receiver was going to wind up in Pittsburgh until he broke his collarbone last Sunday,” reported Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Undaunted by this unexpected twist, the Steelers actively explore other options in the receiver market. According to sources, Pittsburgh has been diligently making calls and checking the availability of numerous wide receivers, including the Jets' Mike Williams and the Panthers' Adam Thielen. Their determination underscores the urgency within the organization to bolster an offense that has struggled to find consistency in the air game this season.
As Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline approaches, the Steelers are not alone in their quest to enhance their roster. Across the league, several teams are looking to make key additions to position themselves better for the second half of the season. The Detroit Lions, for example, have been inquiring about pass rushers and have held discussions with the Browns about former Pro Bowl defensive end Za'Darius Smith.
Steelers try to make receiver trade ahead of deadline
Meanwhile, other teams like the Atlanta Falcons and the surprisingly competitive Arizona Cardinals are also in the hunt for pass rush improvements. Both teams are reportedly interested in Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, indicating a widespread scramble for defensive talents.
In addition to these pursuits, the NFL trade landscape continues to buzz with activity. The Miami Dolphins, pending the outcome of their Sunday game against the Buffalo Bills, might consider moving veteran pass rusher Calais Campbell if the team's playoff hopes diminish.
Moreover, the New Orleans Saints have received inquiries about four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore, despite concerns over his health. The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off their acquisitions of DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche, remain open to further bolstering their roster as they prepare to host the Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football.”
This flurry of trade activities follows a significant move earlier in the week when the Carolina Panthers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Ravens, adding another layer of intrigue to the trade deadline dynamics.
As the Steelers continue their search for a new wide receiver to fill the void left by the injury to Kirk, their persistence in navigating the trade market highlights the volatile nature of NFL transactions, where a single injury can alter a team's plans dramatically. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Pittsburgh aims to secure a game-changing talent in a fiercely competitive trade environment.