Steelers Eyeing Trades for WRs Patrick and Metchie III?

With the NFL roster cut-down date fast approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers are actively exploring options to bolster their receiving corps. According to multiple sources, the team has reached out to inquire about the availability of Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III .

Metchie, a former second-round pick, missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury and a subsequent cancer diagnosis. Although he returned to the field in Week 2 last year, Metchie has struggled to regain his position on Houston’s depth chart, particularly after the Texans added Stefon Diggs and Ben Skowronek to their roster. Bleacher Report ’s Jordan Schultz notes that Metchie has drawn significant interest from multiple teams, with the Texans likely to move on from him given their crowded wide receiver room. Metchie has two years left on his rookie contract, worth a total of $3.2 million.

Meanwhile, Denver's Tim Patrick is another potential trade target for the Steelers. According to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, the Broncos are considering moving on from Patrick due to their depth at the position, with young players like Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin pushing for more playing time. Patrick, who enjoyed back-to-back 700-yard seasons in 2020 and 2021, has been sidelined for the past two seasons due to a torn ACL and a torn Achilles. Despite these injuries, Patrick’s experience and previous production make him an appealing option for the Steelers, especially at his current one-year contract worth $1.125 million.

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The Steelers’ pursuit of additional wide receiver talent comes after the team traded away Diontae Johnson in March. With George Pickens leading the current group, Pittsburgh appears focused on adding reliable depth to ensure a robust passing attack heading into the 2024 season.

As Pittsburgh navigates the final days before the regular season, the potential acquisitions of Patrick or Metchie could provide the depth and veteran presence needed to solidify their offense. Whether these trades materialize remains to be seen, but the Steelers are clearly leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.