Opinion: Why Standing Pat at Receiver Is the Right Long-Term Move for the Steelers

The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Steelers narrowly missed out on landing one of the top-tier wide receivers—specifically Jakobi Meyers or Rashid Shaheed—to bolster their roster. As expected, much of the Steelers fanbase has expressed frustration over the missed opportunity. However, that disappointment may be somewhat misplaced, given that General Manager Omar Khan's transparency before training camp about his reluctance to part with any of the team’s draft picks for the upcoming draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Although fans may be disappointed that the Steelers didn’t land a wide receiver at the trade deadline, General Manager Omar Khan’s decision to preserve the team’s 2026 draft capital reflects a disciplined, forward-thinking strategy—one that aligns with Pittsburgh’s long-term needs.

By choosing not to trade for Jakobi Meyers or Rashid Shaheed—both of whom are approaching free agency—the Steelers avoided short-term financial strain. This decision keeps the door open for future signings or contract extensions without compromising cap space.

Another key consideration is the risk of spending valuable draft capital on a player who may not fit into offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. A cautionary example is last season’s acquisition of Mike Williams for a fifth-round pick. Williams saw limited usage and ultimately departed after the season, making the trade a costly misstep. Khan’s restraint helps avoid repeating that scenario.

While the team didn’t secure a marquee receiver, they did add Marquez Valdes-Scantling and safety Kyle Dugger—both solid depth pieces acquired without sacrificing premium draft assets. Dugger’s impact was evident in the Week 9 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where his presence helped stabilize a secondary that had struggled during a two-game skid. Valdes-Scantling, meanwhile, could prove valuable on third downs—an area where Pittsburgh has consistently faltered.

Though the missed trades may sting in the short term, Khan’s approach prioritizes long-term competitiveness and roster sustainability. It’s a strategy designed to build a more complete team on both sides of the ball and position the Steelers as serious contenders in the seasons ahead.