The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the offseason with a major question mark at the wide receiver position, and not much has changed since then.
Pittsburgh put all of its eggs in the Brandon Aiyuk basket, but he ended up staying in San Francisco after agreeing to an extension with the Niners. And, as it turns out, he probably never really wanted to go to Pittsburgh in the first place.
The Steelers' biggest move at the position this offseason was to draft wide receiver Roman Wilson, but he wasn't able to get on the field in Week 1 due to injury and remains a total wild card in his first season in the NFL.
Behind No. 1 receiver George Pickens, the Steelers also have Van Jefferson, who hasn't done much since a standout sophomore season, and Calvin Austin, who is unproven.
One wide receiver who could eventually become available via trade is New York Giants veteran, Darius Slayton. One NFL analyst, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, believes the Steelers could make a move for him at some point.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider adding a veteran receiver like Slayton to a group that lacks depth behind No. 1 target George Pickens," he wrote. "In Week 1, Pickens led the Steelers with 85 receiving yards, while Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson—the only other wideouts to log receptions—combined for eight yards.
"Pivoting from Russell Wilson (calf) to Justin Fields at quarterback late in the week probably didn't help Pittsburgh's passing chemistry. Yet, the fact remains that the Steelers could use another capable pass-catcher in their lineup."
If Slayton becomes available, the Steelers should be all over him.
Based on his history of production (700 yards or more in four of five seasons), Slayton would immediately become the No. 2 option in Pittsburgh's offense. He'd also add another deep threat to the passing attack.
It probably wouldn't cost much to acquire him, either, as Slayton isn't an elite wide receiver by any stretch and he's in the final year of his deal. He's also young enough (27) that the Steelers could consider keeping him long term.
