Steelers pass on McLaurin trade offer

A look at how Pittsburgh handled a rumored blockbuster and what it signals about their 2025 strategy.

Steelers Pass on McLaurin Trade From Commanders

Pittsburgh’s current wide receiver mix looks capable on paper. DK Metcalf leads a group that includes Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington providing tight end options. Yet depth behind the top targets remains a recurring concern in a league where injuries are common and the season is long.

On Tuesday, reports circulated that the Washington Commanders offered Terry McLaurin to the Steelers in exchange for Freiermuth and a second-round pick. The tip came from 93.7 The Fan, cited by a former NFL assistant general manager who asked not to be named. The account suggested Washington pushed the deal and Pittsburgh reportedly dismissed it quickly. Whether the offer was real or not, the point stood: Pittsburgh could have reshaped its passing game with a high-profile addition.

Even if such a proposal existed, many observers say the price would have been steep to buy a veteran wide receiver in his prime. McLaurin would command top-tier money, and trading a young tight end plus a valuable draft pick would affect the Steelers’ future cap plan. Omar Khan has shown patience and discipline in this window, signaling a preference for measured moves over splashy bets. For now, Pittsburgh remains open to opportunities but not at any cost.

Looking ahead to 2025, the offense could be potent with Metcalf and Rodgers leading the way, yet questions linger about the depth behind them and the impact of injuries across a long season. The team may explore additions later in camp or through the waiver wire, but the current stance is to stay patient while evaluating every option.

The episode spotlights a core tension in modern NFL rosters: chase immediate star power or protect long-term balance. A blockbuster offer, even if it existed, would have tested the edge of cap space and draft leverage. Pittsburgh’s response suggests a prioritization of continuity and cost control over a quick upgrade that might pay off only in a best-case season. That stance mirrors a broader trend among teams that aim to sustain success by developing depth rather than putting it all on a single player.

Omar Khan’s approach appears pragmatic: remain aggressive in pursuing value, but avoid overpaying for a player whose prime years are finite. If the Steelers do dip back into the market, the moves will need to fit a clear budget and a plan for production that lasts beyond a single year. The rumor also underscores how active the market is for top receivers, and how teams weigh the price of a franchise-altering upgrade against the cost of postponing that upgrade to preserve flexibility.

Highlights

The market will keep moving as teams balance urgency with sustainability.