Former 2nd-Round Aaron Rodgers WR Named Potential Steelers Trade Target

Wide receivers coach Pittsburgh Steelers Zach Azzanni stressed at the team’s minicamp this week that the Steelers have a No. 2 receiver in Calvin Austin III. But if the Steelers were still interested in adding another receiving weapon, it would make sense to target a wideout quarterback Aaron Rodgers has previously worked with in his career.

That could make Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson a potential fit. At least, that’s what CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin argued on Monday.

“Watson may well be the most gifted player in the Packers’ wide receiver room, but there’s a reason Green Bay spent two early draft picks at the position this April; the 26-year-old veteran has missed multiple games due to injury in each of his first three NFL seasons, giving the Pack a true boom-or-bust experience on the perimeter,” Benjamin wrote. “With both Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in line for significant roles as rookies, might the Packers be willing to sell Watson as he recovers from an ACL tear?

“Rodgers might have to wait until later in 2025 to reunite with the speedster as a result, but the potential for late-season fireworks might make the gamble worthwhile.”

The Packers drafted Watson at No. 34 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was a pair of picks away from being a first-rounder.

In three NFL seasons, Watson has posted 98 catches for 1,653 yards. He has also scored 14 touchdowns.

Rodgers worked with receiver during his rookie season in 2022.

Watson suffered a torn ACL during the 2024 regular season finale against the Chicago Bears. He posted 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns last season before the injury.

Could Steelers Target WR Christian Watson?

Watson has underperformed in his career based on his draft position. With him coming off the significant knee injury, the Packers took the opportunity to add multiple receivers in the 2025 Draft.

That included drafting Matthew Golden in the first round.

If Golden and fellow rookie Savion Williams stay ahead of Watson when he returns from injury, Watson could find himself buried deep on the Green Bay depth chart.

Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed will enter training camp as the team’s top two receivers. The Packers also have Dontayvion Wicks and Mecole Hardman on their wideout depth chart.

Once healthy, Watson could compete for a starting role in Pittsburgh. Pundits aren’t convinced Austin will be the Steelers No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf.

Pittsburgh also has veteran Robert Woods as a potential No. 2 wideout. But Woods had 20 catches for 203 yards last season.

Watson might not cost much to acquire and is on an affordable deal. He is entering the final season of his rookie contract this year.

Watson Recovering From ACL Injury

If healthy, Watson is an intriguing potential trade target for the Steelers. But he’s not healthy.

The 26-year-old receiver has progressed well with his rehab this offseason. However, on Thursday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur threw cold water on the idea Watson could return earlier than expected.

“Probably not, to be honest,” LaFleur said on a potential Christian Watson early comeback, via Wendell Ferreira. “The guys that are available, that’s who you coach and that’s kind of where you focus.

“It is exciting to see how far along he is, he’s been doing a great job, he attacks it the right way. Our trainers have done an outstanding job with him. I think he’s in the best spot possible considering the circumstance.”

Watson sustained his ACL injury in January. The typical recovery time for an NFL player from such an injury is 9-12 months.

It would be highly unusual for the Steelers to acquire a player dealing with a knee issue. While NFL players return from ACL tears all the time, there’s still no guarantees. The Steelers aren’t likely to want to give up anything in a trade for that risk.

If Pittsburgh is going to acquire a receiver this offseason, it probably should be one who can contribute right away.