With Aaron Rodgers entering the stretch run of what could be his final NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to add firepower to a passing game in need of a boost. The team has leaned heavily on Rodgers’ experience and DK Metcalf’s explosiveness to stay competitive, but depth issues and inconsistent production have limited the offense’s ceiling. As the trade deadline approaches, Pittsburgh is in a prime position to make a significant move.
Why Is Jakobi Meyers the Perfect Target for the Steelers?
At 4-3 and firmly in the AFC playoff mix, Pittsburgh is reportedly targeting a veteran wideout who can complement Metcalf and stabilize a unit that has struggled to find consistency. The Steelers currently rank 12th in the league with a PFSN Offense Impact (OFFi) Score of 79.8. This mark reflects solid overall efficiency but also highlights the need for more balance and versatility in the passing game.
According to Bjorn Bergstrom of Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN), the Steelers are an ideal landing spot for one of the league’s most intriguing trade candidates: Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.
“Wide receivers Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are best suited to perform out of the slot, meaning Meyers’ presence in Pittsburgh could allow everyone else to fall into place,” Bergstrom noted.
Meyers, 28, is in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract he signed with Las Vegas in 2023. According to Spotrac, the deal includes $21 million in guaranteed compensation and carries a 2025 cap hit of nearly $15 million. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 and has already requested a trade, citing a desire for a fresh start.
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His performance on the field demonstrates why he is a coveted asset. Through six games this season, Meyers has 29 receptions for 329 yards and remains one of the league’s most consistent intermediate threats. He posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2024 and has 22 career touchdowns. His PFSN WR Impact (WRi) Score of 75.4 ranks 44th among all wide receivers, underscoring his value as a reliable chain-mover.
The Steelers recently added veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to stretch the field, but their current depth chart lacks the physicality and route precision that Meyers brings. Despite Rodgers keeping the offense competitive through injuries and turnover, Pittsburgh’s passing game has struggled to find a consistent rhythm beyond Metcalf.
The addition of a player like Meyers could solve multiple problems at once. “[Trading for Meyers] would also take some of the defensive attention off Metcalf, who, at the moment, is the only dangerous target in this Steelers receiving corps,” Bergstrom added.
If the Steelers were to finalize a deal, Meyers would give Rodgers a dependable outlet and help balance a receiving corps built for postseason contention. With the AFC North wide open and the trade deadline set for Tuesday, Pittsburgh has only a short window to make its move and solidify its roster for a potential playoff run.