The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally landed Aaron Rodgers, as the team agreed to terms with the free-agent quarterback on a one-year deal early Friday morning.
The addition of Rodgers addresses one of the most pressing needs on the Steelers’ roster and puts them in a position to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC this season. However, general manager Omar Khan should look to bolster the wide receiver this summer, as trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys has left a massive void in the position group.
The Steelers could add another playmaker by reuniting Rodgers with one of his old friends, but Last Word on Sports’ Liam Rebellato urges Pittsburgh to pull off a blockbuster trade for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Though McLaurin would be a nice fit alongside DK Metcalf and elevate the Steelers’ offense, Rebelleto believes history will prevent this from happening.
“Historically, the Steelers haven’t been a team that pays two receivers top-end money, making it a bit unlikely they would pull off a trade for McLaurin despite the fit on paper,” Rebellato wrote.
McLaurin is seeking a new contract from the Commanders, but the franchise hasn’t made much of an effort to get a new deal with their star receiver.
Due to the lack of movement in extensions talk, McLaurin has grown frustrated, and it is currently unknown whether he will be in attendance at mandatory minicamp next week, per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he’s frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal. As I previously reported, McLaurin unexpectedly left voluntary workouts after initially attending, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll report for mandatory minicamp. McLaurin is entering the final year of his contract. Talks have been minimal,” Schultz wrote on X.
If Washington can’t get a deal done with McLaurin and decide to trade him, Pittsburgh should aggressively pursue the veteran. McLaurin and Metcalf would form one of the most dynamic duos in football and give Aaron Rodgers two high-level playmakers on the perimeter.
Obviously, acquiring McLaurin will be difficult for the Steelers, as they’ll have to give up premium draft capital and give him a lucrative extension. Additionally, it’s hard to envision a scenario where the two-time Pro Bowler isn’t playing with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in 2025, so it’s unlikely that we see McLaurin in the Steel City anytime soon, though it would be incredibly electric.
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