The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads after parting ways with George Pickens — they unloaded one receiver, but created a void. Chatter around the NFL has already shifted toward finding the perfect No. 2 option opposite DK Metcalf.
With the draft in the rearview, one name has emerged as a potential game-changer: A third-round rookie who hauled in eight touchdowns in just 13 games. His blend of size, athleticism and early scoring prowess has some insiders convinced he could thrive in Mike Tomlin’s offense.
Steelers Tipped to Fix Draft Mistake With ‘Wild Card’ Jalen McMillan Trade
Andrew Fillipponi of “The PM Team with Poni and Mueller” on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan shared an intriguing back-channel tip on May 9. “I was given a list from a former NFL GM. Four names, potential Steelers, George Pickens replacements, and I also was given a wild card,” he explained, suggesting that a wild card pick could be the steal of the offseason. Fillipponi noted, “This person thinks that this guy is available and believes that the Steelers should try to get him ASAP,” underscoring the urgency behind the recommendation.
That wild card is Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year receiver Jalen McMillan. Tampa surprised many by selecting Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 overall last month.
With a crowded receiving room in Tampa and a new draft addition reshaping the pecking order, speculation is mounting that the Steelers should strike while the iron is hot.
“And now [McMillan is] just going to … take a back seat. That’s a guy who deserves more playing time.” His emergence last season came when Chris Godwin went down, and Mike Evans continued to command top defensive attention. Yet, McMillan seized every opportunity to make contested catches and find the end zone.
Former NFL GM: The Steelers should call the Bucs about WR Jalen McMillan. Tampa drafted Egbuka. Resigned Godwin. McMillan odd man out after 8 touchdowns in his rookie year. PERFECT guy for Khan to target. pic.twitter.com/df3qvqzfvf
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 9, 2025
McMillan connected with Baker Mayfield for 461 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games during his rookie season, despite missing time with a hamstring injury. Upon returning, he reeled in a touchdown in five straight games — a streak only surpassed by Randy Moss (seven games, 1998) for a rookie.
“This would be rectifying the Roman Wilson mistake, because they took Roman Wilson when Jalen McMillan … who’s about 6’1″, two bills, like a much more physical wide receiver,” Fillipponi added, drawing a direct comparison to a previous draft misfire and highlighting why McMillan’s skill set might be a better fit.
It’s unclear if Pittsburgh has (or will) formally express interest, as Fillipponi stressed, “I don’t know if the Steelers are actually interested, but this former GM said that is exactly the guy they should be after right now.”
With Evans in the final year of his deal, Godwin signed through 2027, drafting Egbuka, and veteran tight end Cade Otton emerging in 2024, McMillan could be considered expendable. The Buccaneers’ receiving depth chart is logjammed, and while it’s not a bad problem to have, they could get something for it rather than having to manage it.
Pittsburgh needs a dynamic, ascending talent opposite Metcalf to help take pressure off [insert quarterback name] and sustain drives. If the front office can pull off this under-the-radar deal, it would add a proven red-zone threat who already knows how to find separation in an NFL secondary.
While the usual four names — Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Allen Lazard, and Romeo Doubs continue circulating in Steelers trade rumors, McMillan offers something different — a young, ascending receiver with proven production and untapped potential. If Pittsburgh wants to reset their wide receiver room with a long-term option, this wild card might be their best play.