Three WRs Steelers could trade for with Davante Adams off the board

On Tuesday, the New York Jets were finalizing a trade for star wide receiver Davante Adams in maybe the least surprising move of the season.

The wide receiver-needy Steelers were reportedly one of the teams inquiring about Adams, but they must quickly shift their focus elsewhere with the Nov. 5 trade deadline looming.

Here are three wide receivers Pittsburgh could target.

DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans

The Titans (1-4) suffered their fourth loss of the season in Week 6, hinting they are about to enter a rebuild.

If that’s the case, Tennessee could be open to trading Hopkins, a three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler. Hopkins is on the back end of his career at 32, but the Steelers could squeeze whatever good football he has left in him.

Through the first six weeks of the season, Hopkins has registered 14 catches for 175 yards and one touchdown. The Titans wouldn’t be left short-handed, either, with wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd and Treylon Burks still on the roster.

Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars

Like the Titans, the Jaguars (1-5) have also had a rough start to their season, losing their fifth game of the year on Sunday. If Jacksonville decides to tear it apart, it could opt to part ways with Kirk, who is still only 27.

Kirk signed a four-year, $72 million contract ($18M per year) in 2022, which has aged quite well. Since joining the Jaguars, he has recorded 165 catches for 2,191 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jacksonville has also invested in the position as of late, signing wide receiver Gabe Davis this offseason and drafting wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

That could make Kirk expendable for the right price and one that Pittsburgh may be willing to pay with options running out.

Mike Williams, New York Jets

The Jets look like a team poised to make a run for a Super Bowl after acquiring Adams. As a result, some could argue that they shouldn’t trade any of their talent with the possibility of injuries, but New York still has wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard.

Williams also hasn’t been on the same page as quarterback Aaron Rodgers this season, connecting just 10 times for 145 yards. So, the Jets could look to replenish some of their assets after trading what could turn out to be a second-round pick for Adams.

A fresh start could be what’s best for both sides, and it just so happens that the Steelers already showed interest in Williams this offseason. The 30-year-old was supposed to visit Pittsburgh in March but never made it after signing with New York.

A potential trade would have to likely wait for at least another week, though, since the Steelers host the Jets on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 7.