It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a depth problem at the wide receiver position. The organization traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, which left a huge void within the unit. Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins were brought in to join George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. General Manager Omar Khan is sure to use at least one of the team’s draft picks on the position in late April, but has consistently been a part of trade rumors, mainly about San Francisco 49ers wideout, Brandon Aiyuk. A recently huge blockbuster deal in the AFC however, may have just opened up another avenue for Khan to improve the positional room.
Adam Schefter of ESPN dropped the groundbreaking news on Wednesday that the Houston Texans would be acquiring Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills for draft compensation.
The move leaves the Texans’ wide receivers room absolutely loaded. Diggs joins Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, John Metchie III and Noah Brown. ESPN draft analyst and insider Matt Miller had a unique thought on X after the news broke surrounding the Diggs trade. Could one of Houston’s receivers now be on the trade block?
If the Steelers are still interested in adding a receiver prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, Metchie might be a very solid option to trade for at a low cost. He was selected 44th overall (second round) in the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed the entire year due to a sudden Leukemia diagnosis. He then returned in 2023 and contributed 16 catches and 158 receiving yards. He might not be a bona fide number two wide receiver, but has tons of upside and could pair nicely with Pickens.
After the breakout seasons from Collins and Dell, Metchie was sort of hung out to dry. With the addition of Diggs, it’s even possible that he requests a trade. The thought process behind it could be him getting his career back on track after he was dealt a tough hand being diagnosed with cancer. Due to a torn ACL, he didn’t participate in the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, but has speed that could lead to him running a low 4.4 40-yard dash.
He was a standout for the University of Alabama during his junior season. He secured 96 catches, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in his final collegiate season. He hasn’t had a true chance to blossom in the NFL, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Based on his lack of serious production, the Texans’ asking price for him couldn’t be overwhelmingly high.
Khan has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves, and trading for a guy who was once looked at as a top prospect can’t be ruled out. Houston is unlikely to keep their receivers room intact after the Diggs trade, so inquiring about a guy like Metchie makes all the sense in the world. There aren’t enough passes to go around in Houston and Metchie might be the odd man out. It presents as a low-risk, high-reward move for the Steelers and Khan.
Steelers Have Yet To Show Clear Plan At Wide Receiver To Public
Pittsburgh drafts wideouts better than almost any other team throughout the NFL. Despite that fact, it’s hard to guarantee a home run to pair with Pickens. Metchie wouldn’t necessarily be looked at as a number two guy, but has a lot of potential and will enter 2024 after his first year playing at the professional level. Don’t be surprised if Khan reaches out to gauge any potential interest.
