Steelers 'Sure To Have One More Unforeseen Move' Still To Come In 2024 Offseason

For the Pittsburgh Steelers and 31 other franchises, the 2024 NFL Draft is less than a week away. All organizations have several needs to address and it should be an electrifying final weekend in April with deep quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver classes. Two of those three positions will be key focuses for General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. It has been a wild and uncharacteristic offseason, but there is still work left to be done. The team is likely leaning one specific way for the 20th overall pick, but everything is on the table at this juncture.

Khan has not been shy about cutting the fat during his time as the general manager of the Steelers. It started with trading Chase Claypool, but his willingness to move on from players hurting the team truly came to the surface after trading both Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett. Throw in additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and the organization is playing on a field that it hasn't for the majority of its history.

Pittsburgh also added linebacker Patrick Queen and rewarded him with the largest free agent contract in franchise history. With glaring needs remaining, some are wondering if Khan has another trick up his sleeve. Besides the goal of having a home run of a draft, the "Khan Artist" might not be done. The Athletic's Mark Kaboly made this very clear during the most recent version of the AFC North Whiparound. Something else might be coming.

"The crazy thing about it all is the Steelers are sure to have at least one more 'unforeseen' move in their offseason with a glaring need at wide receiver, so stay tuned on that front," Kaboly wrote.

It has been talked about since the trade of Johnson. Guys like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins were brought in to join George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, but there isn't a true number two wideout to pair with Pickens. That has left rumors swirling about a number of potential trade targets that the Steelers could potentially go after.

It is likely that Khan intends to draft a wide receiver, as well as an offensive tackle and center, but it's hard to count on a rookie, especially when you are expected to need a plug-and-play wideout that can make a difference immediately. If a draft pick fails, Pickens will be double-teamed consistently and make it hard for the offense to click.

That's where a big move could bring immense value. All news coming out of the San Francisco 49ers' camp is that Brandon Aiyuk is untouchable, but conflicting reports have many wondering who is telling the whole truth. Courtland Sutton skipped the beginning of the Denver Broncos' voluntary workouts as he awaits a contract extension, but no word has come out that he is truly being shopped.

The free agent pool is slim, with one of the top options being Odell Beckham Jr., and he will probably prepare to sign after the draft when he knows he will join a roster that permits him to start. Hunter Renfrow and Tyler Boyd are also still looking for a new home. Kaboly mentioned an unforeseen move. That's up for an interpretation, but it would appear that a free agent signing or simple draft selection wouldn't fit that description. Another trade could be coming.

Steelers' Khan's Unpredictability Has Fans Looking For Answers

Regardless of what is going on behind the scenes, Pittsburgh is an organization that values the wide receiver position a ton. Moving on from Johnson was done because of his locker room antics, as well as the need for a cornerback. Leaving Pickens as the only legitimate option is not in Khan's plans. No one outside of the organization is quite sure what is, but a big acquisition is absolutely still possible before, or during, the 2024 NFL Draft.