The Steelers have yet to add a major receiver in 2024, but the team continues to be linked to several lawsuits on that front. A number of targets have emerged regarding a potential trade, and Christian Kirk seems to have been one also before his season-ending injury.

The Steelers had Kirk on their radar before he broke his collarbone, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. To go further, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds there was a “reasonable chance” that Pittsburgh would draft him, given the state of negotiations. Now, of course, the team’s attention will have to turn elsewhere.

Kirk constantly found himself in trade rumors this year, despite being under contract through 2025. None of his base salary for this year is guaranteed, so an adjustment of some sort could have been considered for an acquiring team. Instead, the 27-year-old will aim to recover in time for the start of next year, which will be his fourth in Jacksonville.

After failing to land Brandon Aiyuk Over the summer, the Steelers were connected to numerous other pass-catching options. Connections were made with people like Davante Adams And Cooper Kupp before the trade deadline, with the the same is true of a more realistic objective like Mike Williams. The Jets can be more likely to keep Williams with Allen Lazard on injured reserve, but even then other wideouts could still be available. A recent report indicated Pittsburgh is also interested in the Broncos Courtland Sutton and the giants Darius Slaytonaccustomed to commercial speculation.

Questions were raised this offseason about the Steelers’ WR room after Diontae Johnson was exchanged and Allen Robinson was released. The tastes of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins And Scotty Miller were added as depth options on the free agent market. These newcomers are joined in the organization by a third-round rookie. Romain Wilsonwho has been limited to just one game so far and was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

This left an increased workload available to Calvin Austinwho has seen almost as many goals in eight games in 2024 (25) as in 17 competitions last year (30). The 2022 fourth-rounder averaged 18.4 yards per catch, making him a capable vertical threat to complete George Pickens. Austin has also had success as a punt returner, most notably on the special teams touchdown last week against the Giants.

With just under $10 million in cap space, the Steelers could afford to be in the market for a wider addition and Schefter’s report adds that the team should not stop looking for a trade partner following the potential deal with Kirk falling through. Pittsburgh’s offense could see an improvement in its efficiency in the passing game, which of course could happen with an extended run for Russell Wilson at the quarterback. His list of pass-catching options could still grow in the near future, however.