The NFL trade deadline is approaching fast, and the wide receiver market is buzzing with action. With teams like the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills already making bold moves to add star receivers, the pressure is mounting for contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers to join the frenzy. Both teams have needs at wide receiver, and sources suggest that they could be aggressive in filling those holes.
But will they make a move, or will they hold off and ride with what they’ve got? Let’s dive into what each team might do as we approach the Nov. 5 deadline.
Kansas City Chiefs: Depth Concerns and High Asking Prices
The Kansas City Chiefs have been dominant for years, but 2023 has been a test for their receiver room. Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster have been holding down the fort, but the Chiefs face serious depth issues at the position. With Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Rashee Rice out for the remainder of the regular season and Skyy Moore struggling to make an impact, the Chiefs are running thin on wideouts.
No Marquez Valdes-Scantling Reunion
Despite the lack of depth, the Chiefs showed no interest in bringing back a familiar face in Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Released by the Bills, Valdes-Scantling could have easily landed in Kansas City, but the team chose not to pursue him. This decision might hint that the Chiefs are looking for a different kind of receiver, or perhaps they’re being more selective as they evaluate their options.
Week-to-Week Evaluation and Andy Reid’s Complex Offense
Kansas City is reportedly taking a “week-to-week” approach when evaluating potential trade targets at receiver. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions believe the price to acquire a wideout is inflated for them, as rival teams are less eager to help the Chiefs on their quest for a historic three-peat. And even if they did land a receiver, integrating them into Andy Reid’s notoriously complex offensive system is no easy task. The foundation of this offense is laid in the offseason, and Patrick Mahomes relies heavily on trust with his receivers. That level of chemistry takes time to build, which makes it harder for a new wideout to step in and contribute right away.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Eyes on a Playmaker to Complement Russell Wilson
The Steelers have quietly built a strong team in 2023, with Russell Wilson seemingly back to his old form. Pittsburgh’s defense is as stingy as ever, and they believe a stronger passing attack could make them legitimate contenders in the AFC. But for that to happen, they need another playmaker at receiver.
Brandon Aiyuk Hopes Dashed, Davante Adams Pursuit Misses
Back in August, the Steelers had their sights on Brandon Aiyuk, but the San Francisco 49ers locked him up with an extension. And while Pittsburgh made a push for Davante Adams, the star wideout ultimately set his sights on reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in New York, leaving the Steelers out in the cold.
Could Diontae Johnson Return?
One interesting twist could be a reunion with Diontae Johnson, who the Steelers traded to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason for cornerback Donte Jackson. Johnson, who has 29 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns this season, could be a trade target again as the Panthers continue to struggle with just one win. Pittsburgh might feel they could acquire him at a reasonable price given Carolina’s rough season.
Other Options: Mike Williams or a Deep Sleeper?
Mike Williams is another name being tossed around. After signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Jets, Williams has become expendable with the arrival of Davante Adams in New York. The Jets have already paid most of Williams’ contract, so a team trading for him would only need minimal cap space to make it work. Williams could likely be had for a Day 3 pick, making him a potentially low-cost solution for Pittsburgh.
Other Teams on the Move
Kansas City and Pittsburgh aren’t the only teams to watch before the trade deadline. Here are some other interesting receiver situations:
- Buffalo Bills: They made a splash by acquiring Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns, solidifying their receiver group for Josh Allen.
- New York Jets: The Jets locked in Davante Adams early Tuesday, a move that set off this chain of wide receiver dominoes. This allowed them to make Mike Williams available for trade, which could come into play for teams like Pittsburgh.
- Carolina Panthers: As mentioned, the Panthers could part with Diontae Johnson or even veteran receiver Adam Thielen. Carolina isn’t actively shopping these players, but they’re listening to offers.
- Cleveland Browns: After trading Cooper to Buffalo, the Browns might not be done yet. They could move Elijah Moore next as they sit at 1-5 in the AFC North.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Christian Kirk and Evan Engram could be available for the right price if the Jaguars, currently 1-5, decide to shift into sell mode.
- New England Patriots: Receivers Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne are reportedly on the trading block. The Patriots’ struggles this season make it more likely that they could offload some pieces.
- Washington Commanders: Though quietly, the Commanders are doing their homework on potential wide receiver additions as they prepare for a possible late-season playoff push.
What Will Happen?
With the deadline fast approaching, the question remains: Will the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers pull the trigger on a big trade? For the Chiefs, it may come down to the right price and whether they believe a receiver can quickly adapt to their offense. For the Steelers, the decision could hinge on how much faith they have in Russell Wilson’s resurgence and their chances in a stacked AFC. One thing is clear: the wide receiver market is heating up, and both Kansas City and Pittsburgh have big decisions to make in the coming days.
