Steelers WR Trade Rumors Shift From Aiyuk to ... Metchie III?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and general manager Omar Khan struck out in the mad rush to trade for San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk.

After months of rumors and comical speculation by AllSteelers.com and a plethora of other media outlets who were sure that Aiyuk would be dealt, the former Arizona State star stayed in San Fran and signed a four-year, $120 million deal.

So now what?

Khan seems to have been "all-in" on Aiyuk and had no contingency plan behind him. With all the movement of receivers in the league this offseason, and with the Steelers having been connected to many of them by the media, it appears it was all just speculation.

Khan missed out on Aiyuk, but that doesn't negate the need to add another pass catcher. But now, rather than looking for a front-line receiver who can be a game-changer, the target might shift to some depth at the position.

The Houston Texans - whose wide receiver room is bursting at the seams - have reportedly been taking calls on second-year wideout John Metchie.

Metchie's tape from Alabama is strong, as the speedster showed glimpses of the potential to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. But in Houston, he fell behind the likes of Tank Dell and Nico Collins, and the Texans just traded for Stefon Diggs.

Metchie could get pushed out.

But as a former second-round pick, the Steelers could add him to George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Roman Wilson, and the room suddenly feels a little more fulfilled.

Related: Ex Steelers QB John Rhys Plumlee Signs with Jaguars

He hauled in 96 passes for 1,142 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns during his final season at Alabama, but finished with just 16 catches for 158 yards in 16 games for the Texans in his rookie campaign.

It sounds like Metchie needs the Steelers just as much as the Steelers need Metchie.