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As the NFL trade deadline nears, the call for the Pittsburgh Steelers to make a move to improve their offense is growing louder. They’ll need to act quickly, though, with the deadline set for November 4. The Steelers were one of the most aggressive teams in the offseason when it came to acquiring and trading for talent. Believe it or not, much of that focus was on offense. They signed veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and traded for both DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith. But that still may not be enough if Pittsburgh hopes to reclaim the AFC North division title this season. While trading would require giving up either draft picks, current talent, or both, the Steelers might have caught a break after the Tennessee Titans decided to part ways with wide receiver Tyler Lockett on October 20. Steelers Could Sign Former Titans WR Tyler Lockett Tyler Lockett reportedly asked for and received his release from the Titans, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That makes him free to sign with any team after 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 22. There’s a strong likelihood several teams will inquire about Lockett simply for his veteran presence and experience. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani recently listed Pittsburgh as a possible landing spot for the 33-year-old receiver. “Through six games, there is just one player on the Pittsburgh Steelers that has recorded more than 187 yards receiving, and that’s DK Metcalf,” Dajani wrote. “Not only would this hypothetical move reunite Lockett with Metcalf, but give Aaron Rodgers another reliable veteran. The Steelers’ passing attack ranks in the bottom half of the league, so adding a player like Lockett makes some sense.” Metcalf and Lockett spent seven seasons together in Seattle, forming one of the league’s most reliable duos. Metcalf, 27, was traded from the Seahawks to the Steelers this offseason, while Lockett was released and later signed with Tennessee. In seven games with the Titans, Lockett was barely noticeable, catching just 10 passes on 21 targets for 70 yards and no touchdowns. Would Tyler Lockett Really Improve the Steelers Offense? While a reunion between Metcalf and Lockett would make for a nice storyline, the odds of it providing a major offensive boost aren’t great. After four straight 1,000-yard seasons with eight or more touchdowns from 2019 to 2022, Lockett’s production has since dipped — totaling 1,494 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two years combined. “Lockett isn’t going to change anything offensively for the Steelers, respectfully speaking. With all the names reportedly available — Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Jakobi Meyers — Lockett would be incredibly underwhelming,” SB Nation’s Jarrett Bailey wrote. Veteran presence is valuable — and it’s something Rodgers likely wouldn’t turn down — but what Pittsburgh really needs is a true deep threat who can stretch the field to compliment Metcalf. The Steelers entered Week 6 ranked 26th in total offense. They sit 17th in passing and 11th in scoring, averaging 25 points per game. As mentioned by Dajani, Metcalf leads the team in receiving by a wide margin with 22 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns. The next closest wideout, Calvin Austin III, has just 139 yards — and he’s injured. That’s simply not sustainable for an offense looking to make a postseason run. So, no, Lockett might not be a game-changer — but as a third option, he might be worth the call.
