The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) are leading the AFC North and everything indicates that they will secure their place in the playoffs by winning the division, mainly due to the weakness of their direct opponents at the start of the season, with the Denver Broncos (3-5), Cincinnati Bengals (3-6), and Cleveland Browns (2-6) still far from fighting for the lead.
On the other hand, Steelers fans remain skeptical about their team’s potential for the most crucial moments of the season, and so there is anticipation for news at the trade deadline this Tuesday. However, initial reports suggest that the team suffered a significant setback behind the scenes.
Steelers Surprised by Jaguars and Failed to Sign Jakobi Meyers
According to Adam Schefter during the “Pat McAfee Show,” Jakobi Meyers was very close to joining the Steelers. Still, the wide receiver’s future will be with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who reached an agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders, who signed a three-year contract with the WR in 2023 worth $33,000,000, including a $5,500,000 signing bonus, $21,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $11,000,000.
Several teams showed interest in Meyers (who will become a free agent after the end of the current season). Still, the Jaguars beat out stiff competition (mainly from the Buffalo Bills). They managed to convince the Raiders to trade for him in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, which was an essential move after losing Travis Hunter to an injury suffered in Week 1.
“The one team that also called on Jakobi Meyers was Pittsburgh..
Jacksonville really stepped up to get this deal done” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/g2RdVvWNoK pic.twitter.com/D365yrMHRQ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 4, 2025
This situation is a huge disappointment considering the number of rumors linking the WR’s name to the Pittsburgh team in recent weeks, having missed the chance to close the deal despite the allegedly high price asked by the Raiders, who failed to negotiate a contract renewal after negotiations stalled shortly before the start of the current season. The latest information also indicates that Meyers demanded in recent days that he be traded during trade deadline day.
Meyers (who currently ranks 52h in the PFSN WR Impact with a C grade)Â is currently one of the NFL’s top players in short and medium passes, excelling at running routes and demonstrating good physical endurance. The arrival of this WR would undoubtedly have a positive impact on the offense led by Aaron Rodgers, who would gain several play options. In 2025, Meyers will earn a base salary of $5,250,000, while carrying a cap hit of $5,369,117 and a dead cap value of $8,561,634.
Do the Steelers Need a “Plan B” for WR at the Trade Deadline?
Now that they will no longer have the opportunity to sign Meyers, the Steelers may opt for a “plan B” before the trade deadline. One of the names currently being discussed is Rashid Shaheed, a player who can create space in the opposing defense and may leave the New Orleans Saints in the coming hours.
Finally, another option would be Jaylen Waddle, a standout player for the Miami Dolphins who appears to be close to being traded to the Denver Broncos, if indeed a trade is made, a possibility that grew after the Dolphins’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9.