The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the 2024 regular season strong, but their passing game has underwhelmed. For this reason, ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggested that 3-time first-team All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins could be a trade target for the Steelers before the NFL trade deadline.
On September 25, Graziano identified Hopkins as one of two receivers who might become available in the coming weeks and could be a good fit for Pittsburgh.
“I expect them to keep an eye on the receiver trade market as the deadline nears,” Graziano wrote. “Tennessee’s DeAndre Hopkins and Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk are two veterans who could potentially become available and might appeal to the Steelers if their teams keep losing and fall out of playoff contention.”
Hopkins earned first-team All-Pro honors from 2017-19 and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2015 and 2020.
In three games with the Tennessee Titans this season, Hopkins has recorded 8 receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.
Why the Steelers Could Target a WR
The Steelers were linked to various wide receivers during the offseason, with the most notable being 2023 second-team All-Pro Brandon Aiyuk. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that a trade for Aiyuk nearly happened, but it fell through at the last moment, leaving Pittsburgh with one of the weakest wide receiver groups in the league.
George Pickens is the only wideout on the Steelers’ roster who recorded more than 210 receiving yards last season.
Despite this, the Steelers have managed to thrive in the first three weeks with Pickens as their primary threat. Currently, they rank 12th in the NFL with 130.7 rushing yards per game, and their defense has allowed just 26 points—the fewest in the league.
While the offense has surpassed 20 points only once this season, they’ve come through when it mattered. Calvin Austin III’s 55-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 is an example.
These kinds of plays from quarterback Justin Fields are likely to push the Steelers to pursue receivers who can bolster their passing game.
“The Steelers have been quite satisfied with Justin Fields’ performance at quarterback,” Graziano wrote. “He’s executing game plans well and taking on more responsibility as the weeks go on. They believe their young team is learning how to win, and Fields appears to be the starter for the foreseeable future. They’re also pleased with the development of their young offensive line, especially rookie center Zach Frazier.
Where the Steelers’ offense remains lacking, however, is at wide receiver.”
Heading into Week 4, Pittsburgh ranks 29th in passing yards.
Could DeAndre Hopkins Be a Fit for the Steelers?
Even if they add a receiver, the Steelers are unlikely to change their overall approach. This season, they’ve leaned on their defense and running game to win games.
That said, acquiring a veteran like Hopkins could make sense.
Although it’s been four years since Hopkins last made an All-Pro team, and at 32, he has injury concerns, he remains a reliable option when healthy. He averaged 14.1 yards per catch in 2023—his highest since 2017—and tallied 7 touchdowns.
As a WR2 in Pittsburgh, Hopkins could help prevent opposing defenses from double-teaming Pickens on every play.
Hopkins would likely be a short-term rental, making him an affordable trade option. His two-year contract with the Titans expires at the end of this season.
Given Hopkins’ age, Tennessee may shop him before the trade deadline. With the Titans losing their first three games, there’s little reason to retain a 32-year-old wide receiver on an expiring contract if they don’t turn things around quickly.
