Steelers Could Pursue Veteran WR, but Should Take a Risk on Different Player

With the Pittsburgh Steelers expected to make the necessary moves during the NFL trade deadline to improve their offense, it feels safe to say they'll add a wide receiver. 

The only question now for Pittsburgh is whether it wants to add a veteran receiver, a guy like Brian Thomas Jr., who has proven he can be decent at times but ultimately has a lot to work on, or continue to bring in players like Marquez Valdes-Scantling. 

Regardless, the Steelers have a slew of options, and at the very least, they should make a move or two on that side of the ball.

Among the options, The Athletic recently mentioned Calvin Ridley as a potential fit for Pittsburgh. Ridley, now 31 and in a later stage of his career, is having a somewhat down season after appearing in just seven games a season ago.

“Ridley took a pay cut this offseason to remain with the Titans. The Tennessee offense has been dysfunctional under coordinator Brian Daboll. Ridley had only five catches on 10 targets through the first six weeks of the season. He has been out-snapped by rookie Carnell Tate, free-agent addition Wan’Dale Robinson and second-year receiver Elic Ayomanor. Ridley does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this year.

“There is some meat on the bone with Ridley. The route running and releases are still NFL quality. He was wide open for a touchdown in Week 6 against the Colts, and quarterback Cam Ward missed him. Ridley could still make an impact with better quarterback play and overall offensive infrastructure,” The Athletic wrote.

Much of Ridley's struggles this season come down to the lack of touches he's getting. He hasn't been targeted more than three times in a game, and currently has just five receptions for 81 yards, including zero touchdowns. 

None of that is really his fault, as Tennessee's offense is arguably the worst in the NFL, and he's working with a second-year quarterback who still has a ton to figure out in this league in Cam Ward. 

At the same time, saying he could come to Pittsburgh and make a ridiculous impact would probably be unfair.

Ridley hasn't shown over the past couple of seasons that he's still a difference-maker, unless he can return to that 2024 form when he posted 1,017 yards and four touchdowns.

I'd personally take a chance on Thomas and hope he can figure things out. The risk is just as big, too, as Ridley is far from what he once was.