Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire Pro Bowl Wide Receiver for Russell Wilson in Intriguing Trade Scenario

The Pittsburgh Steelers play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL. Last season, they finished third in the AFC North with a 10-7 record as every team in the division finished over .500. With the obvious revelation that Kenny Pickett was not the long-term (or short-term) answer at quarterback the Steelers went out and signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson following his messy divorce from the Denver Broncos.

Additionally, the Steelers traded a sixth-round draft pick for former first round pick Justin Fields, who found himself out of favor with the Chicago Bears. Pittsburgh also hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith to be their offensive coordinator following the disastrous Matt Canada experiment.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Have a Wide Receiver Problem

As much as Pittsburgh improved at the quarterback position, though, the took a step back at wide receiver. While George Pickens is a legitimate pass catcher and a solid number one receiver, the only other Steelers wideout that had more than 280 yards receiving was Diontae Johnson, and Pittsburgh traded him to the Carolina Panthers.

The wide receiver with 280 yards was Allen Robinson, who also is no longer on the team. Calvin Austin is the only other returning wideout that had more than 17 yards receiving last season (he had 180).

To be fair, the Steelers did use a third-round pick on Washington wide receiver Roman Wilson. However relying on a third-round rookie to be a huge difference maker on offense is a risky decision, especially when the other wide receivers competing with him are not exactly game-changers (i.e. Scotty Miller).

If the Steelers are going to keep pace with the rest of their division, they may need to add more talent to the wide receiver position, and one NFL analyst suggests they could look at one of Russell Wilson’s old teammates.

NFL Analyst Suggests the Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire Wide Receiver Courtland Sutton from the Denver Broncos

In a recent article in which he suggests trades that reunite former quarterback-wide receiver duos, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests that the Steelers acquire former Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, who played with Wilson on the Broncos:

“The Pittsburgh Steelers got themselves a new quarterback when they signed Russell Wilson in free agency. But they lack proven receiver depth behind George Pickens and may make a move to add another pass-catcher this offseason.

While the 28-year-old ended his offseason holdout and has stated he’d prefer to stay in Denver, he is seeking a new contract that the Broncos may not be willing to offer.

“Sutton also believes Wilson’s two maligned seasons with the team don’t accurately reflect the quarterback.

“While the Broncos wouldn’t let Sutton go for cheap, this is expected to be a rebuilding year in Denver, so he could become available before the trade deadline.

“If so, Sutton, who recorded 823 receiving yards with Wilson in 2022, could become the veteran No. 2 receiver the Steelers need.”