The Steelers trade buzz is starting to heat up!
After insider John Frascella reported that Pittsburgh “loved” Chris Olave and were trying to acquire the talented Saints WR, but were far apart on the deal — speculation began to run rampant as to what New Orleans is seeking in return.
To analyze and predict what the Steelers could offer in exchange for Olave, the previous Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, and George Pickens trades may shed light as to how wide receivers are valued on the market.
Samuel vs. Metcalf vs. Pickens trade value
Samuel, a former All-Pro and Pro Bowl-caliber talent, offers versatility to take snaps outside and out of the backfield as a WR/RB-like hybrid — and he only demanded a fifth-round pick. Since 2019, Samuel has accumulated 5,935 yards from scrimmage and 42 total TDs in 81 games — but injury concerns, such as missing 17 games since 2020, likely hampered his trade value.
Metcalf, on the other hand — a healthier alternative who has only missed three games due to injury — cost the Steelers a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4″ and boasting lightning-fast speed, the former Seahawks wide receiver is a freak of an athlete. Since 2019, Metcalf has wracked up 6,324 receiving yards and 48 TDs on 438 receptions.
Pickens is an outlier, as many may argue that his talent and injury history — just three missed games in his three-year NFL career — should have demanded more than the Cowboys‘ third-round pick given up for him. He was statistically hindered under the Steelers’ poor offensive scheme, but his low trade value is more about maturity concerns and his expiring 2025 contract.
What does it mean for Olave?
Olave’s professionalism has never been in question — and while he is an incredibly talented route runner with dangerous top-end speed, his injury concerns leave much to be desired.
The Saints receiver had to meet with specialists after suffering a season-ending concussion last season against the Panthers — which was the fourth concussion of Olave’s short three-year NFL career. In a postseason interview, he said he felt “regular” and didn’t have any symptoms — attempting to reassure his supporters that he was on the right road to recovery. New Orleans clearly believes in him, as they exercised his fifth-year option to keep him under contract until the conclusion of the 2026 season.
However, in a physically taxing sport like football, coupled with playing a position where you’re more often than not taking punishing hits, the Saints may eventually lower their asking price to a potential trade package in between that of Metcalf’s and Samuel’s.
One could argue that if the Steelers were to offer a third-round pick and a receiver of their own, New Orleans would be foolish to pass on the offer — but only time will tell if Pittsburgh is anywhere close to the Saints’ asking price.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Predicting the Steelers trade package for Saints WR Chris Olave