The Pittsburgh Steelers have been connected to a compelling trade that would significantly help Aaron Rodgers and change their offense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be 4-1, and they may be about ready to run away with the AFC North division, but they could certainly stand to make some improvements.
Most notably, the Steelers really need another wide receiver, as the depth behind D.K. Metcalf is pitiful, at best. That's especially with Calvin Austin III nursing a shoulder injury.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell has pitched a solution for Pittsburgh, proposing that the Steelers trade a fourth-round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and a fifth-round pick.
"Enter Shaheed, who is a free agent after the season. Since entering the league in 2022, the undrafted Weber State product has averaged 15.6 yards per reception, fourth best in the NFL over that span," Barnwell wrote. "He has also been a return man in the past, something the Steelers wouldn't mind adding after taking rookie Kaleb Johnson off kick returns in September. Shaheed will make $2.8 million over the remainder of 2025, a very reasonable price for what he brings to the table as a secondary option in the passing game."
New Orleans Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.The only question I really have here is the price tag. Would the Saints surrender both Shaheed and a fifth-rounder in exchange for a fourth? There might even be some teams willing to surrender a late Day 2 pick for Shaheed given his explosiveness and versatility, so I'm not too sure this proposal would get it done.
Regardless, Shaheed would comprise a terrific fit alongside of Metcalf. He was a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro back in 2023 courtesy of hauling in 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns while also punching in a punt-return touchdown.
Last year, the 27-year-old was knocked out after six games due to a knee injury, but still managed to log 20 catches for 349 yards and three scores, averaging a hefty 17.5 yards per grab. He scored another punt-return touchdown, as well.
Shaheed has caught 26 passes for 316 yards while reaching the end zone twice through six contests in 2025. His average of 12.2 yards per catch is a career low, but it's not like he is playing in a Saints offense that is humming.
Aaron Rodgers would significantly benefit from having Shaheed at his disposal, and it would make the Steelers that much scarier in a wide open AFC.