Steelers Need Trade For One More Piece Amid Low-Balling Accusation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
“Hard-ball”? Or “low-ball”?
Most Pittsburgh Steelers watchers believe The Steel City’s favorite team – after having made a cluster of offseason moves on veteran standouts – needs to do it one more time.
The Steelers traded for receiver DK Metcalf in March after a year-long pursuit of a dynamic target. But then, after trading away George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, another need opened up at receiver.
The latest deal that brings tight end Jonnu Smith to town from the Miami Dolphins is a sort-of fix; he’s more than “just as tight end.”
But that hasn’t quelled the speculation …
Nor has it altered a new reputation being gained by Pittsburgh GM Omar Kahn.
The Steelers general manager – who just received a three-year contract extension – is rumored to have engaged in recent receiver trade talks …
But is playing “hard-ball.”
Or “low-ball.”
“They’re going to have to get another pass catcher,” Jonathan Jones told Kyle Long via the “Pushing the Pile” podcast. “And they know that. They’ve been low-balling teams when they make a call. ‘Hey, how about this guy? No, we’re not doing that for a conditional sixth-round pick.’
But, he added, They’ll get there.”
There are two pieces of news here.
One is the prediction that another move is seemingly inevitable. The Steelers’ depth at receiver figures to make them bigger players at receiver. … which all ties together with the signing of Aaron Rodgers.
Two is that “low-ball” thing. We’re not sure Steelers fans should view this as a mistake. Kahn is simply trying to “win the trade” in his discussions. And if Khan pulls that off, Steelers fans will have a better team in 2025 … and will be set up for more of the same in the future.
Related: Steelers Make Official Announcement on GM Omar Khan Future on Thursday
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.