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FOX Sports' wide receiver trade rumor stinks for Steelers, Bills, Giants | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 12:50 GMT by Sporting News
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Fox Sports’ “wide‑receiver trade” rumor about the Steelers is a dead end

A rumor that the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for a wide‑receiver from either the Buffalo Bills or the New York Giants has been circulating in the wake of the 2024 offseason. The story, first picked up by Fox Sports, claims that the Steelers would be willing to part with a hefty trade package for a player such as Bills’ star Stefon Diggs or Giants’ reliable target Kellen Allen. A closer look at the facts reveals that the rumor is baseless and that the Steelers have no realistic path to acquiring either of those players.

Why the rumor is implausible

1. No trade value for the Bills or Giants

Both teams have very high‑value wide receivers who are integral to their offense. Diggs is the leading receiver in the AFC, with 94 receptions for 1,341 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Allen, while not a superstar, is the Giants’ top target with 1,023 yards and 9 touchdowns. Trading either player would require a blockbuster haul that the Steelers, whose roster is already deep at the position, simply cannot afford. The Steelers’ current wide‑receiver group—George Pickens, James Washington, and Marquez Valdes‑Scantling—provides depth and production without the cost of a high‑tier trade.

2. The Steelers’ trade budget is limited

The Steelers’ salary‑cap situation makes any major trade difficult. In 2024, the team had to cut $24 million of salary cap space in the middle of the season, a move that further constrained their ability to absorb an expensive player’s contract. Additionally, the Steelers have a limited number of draft picks and a relatively thin trade market; most of their draft capital is being saved for future rebuilds rather than traded away for a single player.

3. No credible sources or insider confirmation

The rumor originates from Fox Sports’ own research team, which, as the article notes, relied on unnamed sources that did not appear to have any direct connection to the Steelers front office. No other major outlet—ESPN, CBS Sports, NFL.com, or the official Steelers website—has mentioned a trade for a Bills or Giants receiver. Even the Steelers’ general manager, Omar Khan, has not confirmed any interest in moving the trade deadline.

Context: The Steelers’ wide‑receiver situation

The Steelers have long prided themselves on a balanced passing attack, with a mix of veterans and younger talent. George Pickens, the 2023 rookie of the year, continues to develop into a reliable deep‑ball threat, while James Washington brings a steady yardage base. The addition of Marquez Valdes‑Scantling, signed as a free agent in the off‑season, provides an extra deep‑ball weapon that can stretch defenses.

A trade for a high‑profile receiver would seem to make sense from a “need‑to‑improve” standpoint, especially given the Steelers’ historically weak deep‑ball game in 2023. However, the team’s recent strategy has focused on developing existing talent and filling the slot depth with players like Torrance Reid, rather than making large trades.

What the Steelers actually did in the off‑season

Instead of chasing a high‑tier trade, Pittsburgh pursued a mix of free‑agent signings and roster adjustments that keep the team competitive while staying under the cap.

1. Signing of Kenny Golladay – The Steelers added the former 49ers star wide receiver to a one‑year deal, a move that has been widely praised for its low cost and high upside. Golladay’s experience and ability to stretch the field complement the current core.

2. Releasing veterans – The Steelers released or traded away players who no longer fit the scheme, such as T.Y. Hilton’s former teammate, a veteran wide receiver who had been on the depth chart for years but had not contributed significantly.

3. Drafting in depth – Pittsburgh drafted a promising receiver in the mid‑rounds to further bolster the depth of the receiving corps. While the specific draft pick is not public yet, early reports suggest the Steelers are looking to add a ball‑handling back or a third‑down weapon.

A look at the future

If the Steelers are serious about improving their deep‑ball offense, they may look toward a future trade or free‑agent acquisition. The rumor that they are targeting a Bills or Giants player is unlikely to materialize, and the team’s recent moves demonstrate a focus on developing internal talent. The Steelers’ front office has indicated that they are looking for a “long‑term solution,” suggesting that any future trade will involve a player whose contract does not exceed the team’s current cap space or a trade package that aligns with Pittsburgh’s rebuilding timeline.

In short, the Fox Sports rumor that the Steelers are on the verge of snapping up a top receiver from Buffalo or New York is unsupported by facts and unrealistic given the financial and roster constraints the team faces. The Steelers’ best path forward remains their existing wide‑receiver group, complemented by strategic free‑agent signings and the development of younger talent.