Steelers' Offensive Trend Likely Has Omar Khan Shopping At A Position That May Surprise Fans

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the worst offenses in the NFL over the last several seasons. The group has been inconsistent over the years, and the unit often struggles to get off to a hot start. There is some optimism surrounding the offense heading into the 2025 season however, as the offensive line is expected to take a step forward -- which should help the running game. Pittsburgh also has a revamped passing attack with Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, but the organization might need to make some more additions.

Pittsburgh's wide receiver group behind Metcalf has a lot of question marks, which was the case ahead of the 2024 season (except it was George Pickens leading the pack). Behind Metcalf is Calvin Austin III and second-year player Roman Wilson. Wilson barely played during his rookie year, and Austin has shown improvements in each season of his professional career. However, many still believe an upgrade needs to be made behind Metcalf.

Steelers insider Mike DeFabo was asked about this situation during a recent mailbag, where he stated that Khan is probably looking to improve the passing game, it just might not be where most fans think.

"There’s been plenty of smoke about a possible trade — so much so that it’s clear GM Omar Khan is doing his due diligence to explore all options," DeFabo wrote. "Allen Lazard, in particular, still feels like an obvious target, given his history with Rodgers. It’s worth noting the Steelers led the league in 13 personnel usage (one back, three tight ends) in 2024, so a pass catcher could also come in the form of a tight end."

The Steelers are on the field with three tight ends a ton, so it would make sense for the organization to add a receiving threat at that position. The two names that stand out would be Jonnu Smith and Kyle Pitts, and they each should be able to complement Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.

The Steelers clearly have three tight ends on the field more than any other team in the NFL as of late, and as of right now, those three tight ends would be Freiermuth, Washington, and either Connor Heyward or JJ Galbreath for 2025. Galbreath is an undrafted free agent that has shown some promise, while Heyward is a player that excels more on special teams, rather than on offense. He might be the odd-man out if an addition is made at tight end, while Galbreath would likely bounce back and forth between the active roster and the practice squad.

Pittsburgh can still add a receiver, but tight end is certainly an option due to how much the Steelers rely on the position. It was known when Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith was hired that he loves that position, and his history coaching Pitts could play a factor. 

Steelers Have Other Trade Options At Tight End

While Pitts and Smith are likely the most intriguing options when it comes to making a trade for a tight end, there are other options out there. Michael Mayer of the Las Vegas Raiders comes to mind, as he is playing behind Brock Bowers and Mayer's career certainly hasn't gone the way he might have expected. Mayer has only caught 48 passes for 460 yards and two touchdowns over his first two seasons in the league, and those numbers might not improve in Vegas as he will continue to be the second option at tight end behind Bowers.

It is important to note that Mayer is also playing under a different regime than who drafted him. This usually means a player who is struggling might be on their way out. A change of scenery is likely what Mayer needs, and playing alongside Freiermuth and Washington could help revive the tight end's once promising career.