The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to explore trade options for wide receivers ahead of the impending NFL trade deadline.
Recently, one of their potential targets, Darius Slayton of the New York Giants, left Week 9’s game to undergo concussion evaluation,
casting uncertainty over his availability and, subsequently, the Steelers’ strategy.
Reports indicate that Slayton exited the game after being evaluated for a concussion,
which adds a layer of complexity to the Steelers’ plans. The 27-year-old wideout has had a solid season, recording 29 catches for 420 yards and a touchdown before his injury,
including standout performances of over 100 receiving yards in both Weeks 5 and 8. However, the question now arises:
how will his health status influence the Steelers’ approach as the trade deadline looms on November 5?
While concussions can be serious, they often do not lead to extended absences.
If Slayton quickly clears the concussion protocol, he could be back in action sooner than anticipated.
Nevertheless, the Steelers’ front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, must weigh the risks involved in pursuing Slayton given the uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Earlier reports also highlighted other potential trade candidates, such as Mike Williams from the Jets and Adam Thielen from the Panthers, as the Steelers look to enhance their receiving options.
Interestingly, although Slayton has been frequently mentioned as a target, it appears the Steelers might be considering other players that fit their needs more closely. Recent updates suggest that Pittsburgh has shown interest in acquiring Cooper Kupp from the Los Angeles Rams and Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to Kirk’s injury. Both Kupp and Kirk have predominantly played in the slot this season, with slot snaps exceeding 70%, a critical factor given the Steelers’ current offensive strategy.
In contrast, Slayton’s slot usage has been relatively low at around 19%, which raises questions about whether he aligns with the Steelers’ offensive vision. Adam Thielen, on the other hand, might be the ideal candidate for a slot receiver role, boasting a slot snap percentage of approximately 73% this season. However, Thielen’s recent hamstring injury complicates his status, potentially making him a riskier option for Pittsburgh as they assess their needs and trade possibilities.
With less than 48 hours remaining until the trade deadline, the Steelers must make strategic decisions about bolstering their wide receiver corps. The injury concerns surrounding both Slayton and Thielen could heavily influence their final choices, as they seek to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season.
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