It’s certainly unusual that, just days before the NFL trade deadline, notable receivers like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, and former Steeler Diontae Johnson have already been traded, yet the Steelers have stayed inactive. Many expected Pittsburgh to make an aggressive move to find a dependable option to complement star receiver George Pickens — someone who could work the middle while also posing a deep threat for quarterback Russell Wilson.
Remember how close they came to acquiring 49ers standout Brandon Aiyuk? Now, with top receivers already taken and the market tightening, it might be wise to temper expectations for the Steelers leading up to the November 5 deadline. Still, Pittsburgh could use an addition to bolster its thin receiving corps. Trading for veteran Adam Thielen would be a meaningful, if not game-changing, move. CBS Sports even projects Thielen landing with the Steelers in its latest mock draft.
Carolina has already parted ways with Diontae Johnson this week, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Jadeveon Clowney or Adam Thielen are next on the list to be traded. With this season looking bleak for the Panthers, their focus should be on acquiring draft picks to aid in future rebuilding efforts. The Steelers are currently short on options in the passing game, making Thielen a potentially beneficial addition. While Thielen isn’t the Pro Bowler he was during his peak years in Minnesota in 2017 and 2018, he remains a productive slot receiver who can serve as a reliable outlet for quarterback Russell Wilson during scrambles.
Although Thielen has been sidelined since September 22 due to a hamstring injury, such injuries often heal quickly after a trade. This season, he has recorded eight receptions for 109 yards over three games, but he is coming off a strong year with 103 catches for 1,014 yards. Thielen is currently in the second year of a three-year, $25 million contract, though the final year in 2025 isn’t guaranteed.
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Steelers Predicted to Bolster WR Room with Downfield Threat
The Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises in the first half of the 2024 season. Entering their Week 9 bye on a three-game winning streak, they currently lead the AFC North with a 6-2 record and will aim to maintain momentum against the Washington Commanders next week. Despite their unexpected success, the team has faced challenges, particularly with an inconsistent offense that averages just 190.0 passing yards per game, ranking 25th in the league.
While some of the struggles can be attributed to the quarterbacks, it’s evident that the Steelers lack game-changing wide receivers. Beyond George Pickens (548 yards) and Calvin Austin III, no other receivers on the team have surpassed the 200-yard mark this season. For the Steelers to solidify their status as a competitive force in the league, they need more dependable receiving options.
Fortunately, NFL analyst Trevor Sikkema suggests that general manager Omar Khan may address this need in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his latest mock draft, Sikkema predicts the Steelers will select Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond with the 25th overall pick next April. “The Steelers’ passing offense, outside of George Pickens, has left a lot to be desired this season,” Sikkema noted. “Bond’s elite speed could contribute to a much more dynamic passing attack, regardless of who the quarterback is in 2025.”
Incorporating Isaiah Bond into the Steelers’ offense would provide opponents with another credible receiving threat to contend with. Currently one of the fastest players in college football, his game-changing speed is likely to attract significant attention during next year’s draft. “Bond has demonstrated game-breaking speed, an ability to track deep passes, and a talent for generating yardage,” ESPN’s Matt Miller noted about the Texas standout in September. Miller further mentioned that one source likened Bond to Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024 second-round pick Xavier Worthy, who clocked an impressive 4.21-second 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL combine.
After spending two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas before the 2024 NCAA season. While transfers don’t always yield positive results, that hasn’t been the case for the 5-foot-11, 180-pound playmaker. Bond is on track for the best season of his collegiate career, having recorded 23 catches for 380 receiving yards and matching his career-high with four touchdown receptions. Additionally, he has rushed for 51 yards and another touchdown on two carries, indicating he could take on a versatile role at the NFL level. His standout performance came against the UTSA Roadrunners on September 14, where he accumulated 103 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. One of those touchdowns was a 50-yard play that showcased his impressive speed, reaching a top speed of 22.1 MPH.
Currently, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Scott Miller are the only Steelers receivers under contract for the 2025 season. This isn’t the most intimidating receiving corps, making it advantageous for the team to target Isaiah Bond in next year’s draft. With proper coaching, Bond has the potential to become a key player in Pittsburgh’s offense for years to come. His speed distinguishes him from others, and he is also an effective route runner who doesn’t shy away from blocking duties. This makes him the kind of player head coach Mike Tomlin would appreciate having on the roster, regardless of who the quarterback is next season. If Bond maintains his strong performance with the Longhorns, his draft stock is likely to rise. It remains to be seen whether the Steelers will be in a position to select him in the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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