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Steelers Have AFC Competition for WR Trade

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 26th 2025 at 14:38 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Trade That Sparked the Conversation

On March 9, 2023, the Steelers agreed to trade veteran receiver Jalen Reagor to the Oakland Raiders. Reagor, who had accumulated 1,300 yards and six touchdowns during his two seasons in Pittsburgh, was dealt for a 2024 fifth‑round draft pick. The move was described by the Steelers’ front office as a way to “free up cap space” and create room for future acquisitions. It also sent a signal that the Steelers were willing to sacrifice depth at the wide‑receiver position in order to stay flexible on the salary sheet and to potentially target top free‑agents.

While Reagor’s trade was largely considered a routine transaction, the ripple effect of the move became clearer in the weeks that followed. The Steelers’ wide‑receiver group was already thin after the departure of the veteran’s number‑two receiver, Jalen Reagor’s younger brother, and the release of key role‑players. The trade forced the team to rethink its offensive game plan, especially as the AFC North remains one of the most competitive divisions in the league.

Competitive Context: The AFC North and the Need for a Play‑maker

The Steelers’ main rivals in the AFC North—Cleveland, Baltimore, and Cincinnati—have all made moves to add high‑impact wide receivers. The Ravens, for instance, secured a new wide‑receiver free agent in the offseason, while the Browns traded for a top‑tier slot receiver. With the division as it stands, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Mike Bajakian, was under pressure to deliver a wide‑receiver capable of challenging opposing secondary units, especially when playing against a top‑tier defense like the Bengals’ pass rush.

The trade also highlighted the Steelers’ desire to keep the offensive unit flexible for future changes. While the team’s quarterback, Matthew Stafford, has shown a willingness to spread the ball around, the Steelers had previously relied heavily on the consistency of a limited group of receivers. By trading Reagor, the Steelers made a clear statement that they are open to re‑building that group from the ground up, whether through the draft, free agency, or additional trades.

The Role of the 2024 Draft Pick

The fifth‑round pick received from the Raiders is currently the focus of the Steelers’ draft strategy. The team’s scouting department has flagged several wide receivers and deep‑ball specialists who are expected to be available in the middle rounds. According to a recent interview with the Steelers’ Director of Player Personnel, the pick could be used to select a rookie with upside in the slot position or as a trade asset for a mid‑season acquisition. This flexibility allows the Steelers to adapt to injuries or to capitalize on an attractive free‑agent market during the upcoming season.

Impact on the Steelers’ Offensive Scheme

From an on‑field perspective, the loss of Jalen Reagor necessitates a re‑evaluation of the Steelers’ offensive schemes. The team had been experimenting with a hybrid “slot‑outside” approach that utilized Reagor’s speed and ability to create separation in the mid‑field. Without him, the Steelers must either rely on younger players who have yet to prove themselves at the NFL level or bring in a veteran quickly. The Steelers’ coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, has indicated that they will explore a combination of short‑to‑mid‑range routes and vertical play to compensate for the depth loss.

Looking Forward: The Steelers’ Wide‑Receiver Strategy

The Steelers have expressed interest in securing a high‑profile free‑agent wide receiver after the trade. Recent reports suggest that the Steelers are in talks with former Bengals star, who is looking for a new team. The acquisition of a player with experience against the AFC North’s strong pass rush would help the Steelers remain competitive and could serve as a catalyst for the rest of the roster.

Ultimately, the trade of Jalen Reagor to the Raiders for a 2024 fifth‑round pick is more than a simple exchange of a player for a draft asset. It reflects the Steelers’ broader strategy to remain competitive within the AFC while maintaining roster flexibility and financial prudence. As the NFL season approaches, fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether the Steelers can build a robust receiving corps that will give quarterback Matthew Stafford the weaponry he needs to lead Pittsburgh to a top finish in the AFC North.