No one knew that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be heavily involved in attempting to inquire a big-name wide receiver in the 2024 offseason. Recent reports suggest that the organization is poking around in the trade market, attempting to find a legitimate partner-in-crime for George Pickens. With all due respect to guys like Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Denzel Mims, the number two alongside Pickens is not currently on the roster. This is what has kept the door open and rumors swirling in regards to General Manager Omar Khan potentially making another shocking offseason move.
The head of the front office has already made unexpected headlines, such as signing Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen, trading away Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett, while also acquiring former Chicago Bears quarterback, Justin Fields. The “Khan Artist” may not be done, however. No one is quite sure what big-name wide receiver they may go after, but a new possibility came to the surface on Tuesday evening.
No info suggesting that they have done this, but if the Steelers were poking around the Brandon Aiyuk situation, they should also be sniffing around Terry McLaurin. Checks a lot of boxes. Ohio St. guy. Productive w/ bad QB play. Anti-diva personality. Seems worth asking about.
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) March 19, 2024
It’s fair to note 93.7 The Fan’s Chris Mueller is not reporting that any kind of discussions are ongoing between the Steelers and Washington Commanders regarding Terry McLaurin. The one-time Pro Bowler has played much better than that throughout his five-year career. McLaurin has played in every game since the 2021 season kicked off and, in that time, the wide receiver caught 233 catches, for 3,246 yards and 14 touchdowns.
There has been a lot of turnover in Washington in the first full offseason with Josh Harris leading the new ownership group. It’s unlikely that the team competes for a championship in 2024 as they are expected to draft a quarterback with the second overall pick. Getting maximum value in a trade for a guy like McLaurin may be in the franchise’s best interest if he isn’t expected to re-sign when his contract expires after the 2025 campaign.
McLaurin has hefty cap hits of $24.1 million in 2024 and $23.6 million in 2025. Pittsburgh is capable of handling those based on how their current financial situation is set up. The franchise has yet to restructure the contracts of TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith or Minkah Fitzpatrick. It’s not certain that they will do that, or extend Cameron Heyward to open up more room, but options are on the table if Khan is to make a move that has a big financial aspect associated with it.
McLaurin would do more for the Steelers than just perform on the field. He has been voted a captain in Washington more than once and has been drama-free in the locker room throughout his NFL career. He would be the perfect guy to come in and not only mentor Pickens, but contribute just as much as him on the field. The marriage between McLaurin and Pittsburgh would be an ideal one for both parties.
The receiver’s name hasn’t been tossed around too much when it comes to trade speculation. His price tag wouldn’t just be picking up his massive contract over the course of the next two seasons. He’s still just 28 years old with five straight seasons of overall consistent play. When you pair that with him also being known as a strong leader, it’s hard to imagine Khan not giving up something like a second-round pick, or more, for the wideout.
The Steelers Are A Wide Receiver And Couple Offensive Linemen Away From Scary Offense
Pittsburgh is going to go after a receiver that is available in the trade market or free agency, potentially both. The draft will be another area to address the position. The same goes for the center and right tackle spots. If the Steelers can figure out a way to clean up these positions, their offense will be completely revamped and ready to put some points on the board with new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
