Steelers Could Miss Out on Another Big-Name WR Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk badly. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they just didn’t have enough to offer in return. Aiyuk ultimately re-signed with the 49ers and was officially off the market.

Bleacher Report believes that the Steelers could also miss out on another former All-Pro receiver who could be traded to the rival Cleveland Browns.

"DeAndre Hopkins is a logical hypothetical target,” B/R writes. “The 32-year-old showed he's still got it with a 1,000-yard season in 2023, but the Titans are in the middle of a rebuild and the veteran is on the final year of his contract.

“That's not to mention the chemistry that Hopkins already has with Watson from their days together in Houston. A receiving trio of Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy and DeAndre Hopkins would leave Watson with no excuses not to return to Pro Bowl form.”

The Browns already boast one of the top defenses in the league, and adding a weapon like Hopkins to their team could make them head and shoulders better than the Steelers.

Related: Steelers vs. Falcons Week 1: Who's Baldy's Pick?

Could Pittsburgh slide in and trade for Hopkins? It has to be on the table. Pairing Hopkins with George Pickens could open up the field for Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson and Pat Freiermuth which would give quarterback Russell Wilson more chances to be successful. If the Browns get to Hopkins first, the Steelers may be forced to overpay for a receiver to compete this season and that’s never good. It’s all a waiting game at this point.

The Steelers begin their season on Sept. 8 in Atlanta against the Falcons. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.