Steelers won’t give up on WR pursuit after top trade target suffers brutal injury

Despite a significant setback in their attempts to acquire wide receiver Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain steadfast in their quest to bolster their receiving corps before the NFL trade deadline. The original plan to bring Kirk to Pittsburgh was derailed when the receiver suffered a broken collarbone on Sunday.

“The Steelers have been trying to get a deal done for Christian Kirk, and league sources told ESPN there was a real possibility the Jaguars wide receiver would end up in Pittsburgh until he broke his collarbone last Sunday,” it was reported. ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Undeterred by this unexpected turn, the Steelers are actively exploring other options in the wide receiver market. Pittsburgh has been diligently calling and checking the availability of numerous receivers, including the Jets’ Mike Williams and the Panthers’ Adam Thielen, sources said. Their determination underscores the organization’s urgent need to bolster an offense that has struggled to find consistency in the air this season.

As Tuesday’s trade deadline approaches at 4:00 pm ET, the Steelers are not alone in their quest to improve their roster. Across the league, several teams are looking to make key additions to better position themselves for the second half of the season. The Detroit Lions, for example, were interested in pass rushers and had discussions with the Browns about former Pro Bowl cornerback Za’Darius Smith.

Steelers are trying to make a trade deal ahead of the deadline.

Meanwhile, other teams like the Atlanta Falcons and the surprisingly competitive Arizona Cardinals are also looking to improve their pass rush. Both teams are reportedly interested in Giants reliever Azeez Ojulari, indicating a widespread battle for defensive talent.

In addition to these activities, the NFL trading environment continues to buzz with activity. The Miami Dolphins, awaiting results from Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, could consider moving veteran pass rusher Calais Campbell if the team’s playoff hopes fade.

Additionally, the New Orleans Saints have received inquiries about four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Marshon Lattimore despite concerns about his health. The Kansas City Chiefs, who just acquired DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche, remain open to further additions to their roster as they prepare to host the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.

This flurry of trade activity follows a significant move earlier in the week when the Carolina Panthers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Ravens, adding another layer of intrigue to the trade deadline dynamic.

As the Steelers continue to search for a new receiver to fill the void left by Kirk’s injury, their persistence in navigating the trade market underscores the volatile nature of NFL deals where one injury can dramatically change a team’s plans. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Pittsburgh pursues game-changing talent in a highly competitive trade environment.