Possible or not? Determining high-profile trade targets for Steelers in 2025

Some big names could become available this offseason leading to plenty of Steelers trade chatter.

The focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers is on a Super Bowl, but it’s never too early to look ahead. The trade deadline passed in the NFL on November 5, but that doesn’t mean each team was fixed before then. The Steelers added a couple of pieces, but it seems like both Mike Williams and Preston Smith could be off the roster by the time free agency opens in a couple of months.

With that being said, fans in Pittsburgh want a winning team. They want to get in the playoffs and make some noise. If they fail to do anything once they get into the dance, then expect more changes to happen.

NFL Trade Rumors has come up with an expansive list of possible notable options who could be dealt during the offseason. Based on what we know about the Steelers’ front office and assuming the aggressive approach they will take next season, I’ve predicted the likelihood of high-profile players landing in Pittsburgh.

Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys: Unlikely

Right now, the sky is falling within the Dallas Cowboys franchise. They stink, but even worse, they have no clear direction. Micah Parsons would be a tremendous addition to the Steelers’ defense if he were available via trade, but it doesn’t make sense. Adding a star player like Parsons would be lovely but he will make too much money, and Pittsburgh already has too much cash invested in their defense.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins: Possible

It was thrown out this past offseason that Pittsburgh could have trade interest in Tyreek Hill, They never landed a big upgrade at their receiver position, but they could circle back this offseason. No matter if they get someone in free agency, or trade for a star like Hill, they need to do something significant. Pickens can only do so much, and the team needs to boost the position entirely.

George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Not impossible, but unlikely

No one should be surprised Pickens made this list of possible trade pieces this offseason. Something seems different about Mike Tomlin and how he is handling Pickens’ issues compared to prior players. We will see what happens, but Pickens will be due for his first contract extension this offseason, so it could get ugly. Pittsburgh loves his talent, but his continued antics could hinder them in the future.

Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Possible

They went for Brandon Aiyuk last offseason, so why wouldn’t the Steelers keep that line of communication out there? His teammate, Deebo Samuel has fallen out of favor with the 49ers, so he could be looking for a landing spot. He might not be as dynamic of a playmaker as Aiyuk is, but his versatility is something that could interest the Steelers if Samuel comes at the right price.

Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals: Zero Chance (unlikely)

This report wasn’t based on the Steeler’s needs, so some don’t make much sense. Trey Hendrickson is having a terrific season, and the Bengals need good players on defense. Trading him away makes little sense for Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh has too many edge rushers on the roster to consider this. Hendrickson would be a terrific pickup for another club if he would become available.

Joe Thuney, OG, Kansas City Chiefs: Unlikely

Being a top team in the NFL means you will run into tough cap decisions. Kansas City might have to move on from Joe Thuney despite him being one of the better guards in the NFL. The Steelers could use some help in the middle of their offensive line, but both Mason McCormick and Isaac Seumalo look like they will be the starters next year. If that’s the case, then adding Thuney doesn’t make sense.

Joey Bosa, EDGE, LA Chargers: Unlikely, unless he got released

He might not make sense as a trade candidate due to his contract, but Joey Bosa could have a possible path to the Steelers. If he becomes a cap casualty for the Chargers, then maybe Pittsburgh could check his level of interest. He would have to accept a depth role as an outside linebacker for the Steelers. It is unlikely, but it’s not completely impossible either.

Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers: Unlikely

Donte Jackson has earned himself a nice payday in free agency, but it is unknown if the Steelers will shell out a contract extension. They might not be able to afford him, at the end of the day. Jaire Alexander has been rumored to be leaving Green Bay for a couple of seasons now so he could be moved. Pittsburgh just doesn’t have enough cap space to entertain adding Alexander.

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons: Unlikely

Now that Wilson is the starting quarterback, the tight ends have become a bigger part of the passing attack. Pat Freiermuth just got signed to an extension with the Steelers, so adding another costly player to the position is unlikely. Kyle Pitts was revered as one of the top prospects at the position when he was coming out of the draft, but he has yet to put everything together in his pro career.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Possible

Rumor has it that Pittsburgh called the Seahawks about a potential D.K. Metcalf trade before the deadline. Seattle remains in the NFC playoff hunt, but their odds are dwindling. They could look to offload some big contracts with an up-and-coming receiving core. Metcalf has a connection with the Steelers starting quarterback and it could be a likely scenario that Pittsburgh revisits.

Matthew Stafford, QB, LA Rams: Unlikely (no chance)

There are a few realities out there that see Matthew Stafford becoming the Steelers quarterback next year. Unless Wilson skips out of town in free agency (which is unlikely), Stafford will be playing elsewhere. As he gets older, he may try just to stick with the Rams until he retires. If LA is ready to trade him, then they will try to do their best to send him to a playoff contender.

Cooper Kupp, WR, LA Rams: Possible

Similar to the Metcalf situation, the Steelers were rumored to have interest in Cooper Kupp before the trade deadline. The Rams weren’t willing to sell at that moment in time, but they could be this offseason. They are sitting around average in the NFL, so they may be willing to move on from some star players to get younger. Kupp’s injury history could concern Pittsburgh, but his skill set is terrific.