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Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora named veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds a trade candidate the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider.

Pundits have generally linked the Pittsburgh Steelers to the same wide receivers on the trade market over the past several months. Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora attempted to break the mold and name a different candidate. One of his targets for the team was veteran wideout Josh Reynolds.

Kozora referred to Reynolds as the “other, other Jets wide receiver” since he’s No. 3 behind Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Experts have linked the latter to the Steelers through trade rumors. But Kozora made an argument for Reynolds on Sunday.

“Reynolds has size and big-play ability. It hasn’t been shown in New York this season because of the Jets’ terrible quarterback play, but Reynolds has a career 13.3 yards per catch average. That number sat around or above 15 yards in 2023 and 2024,” wrote Kozora.

“The Jets are obvious sellers and Reynolds is arguably the better player than Lazard, though he doesn’t have the built-in background with Aaron Rodgers like Lazard does. Reynolds is owed just a $1.5 million base salary, meaning the Steelers would pay about half of that if acquired.

“A pittance to them.”

Reynolds is averaging 9.2 yards per catch with the New York Jets this season. But as Kozora mentioned, the 30-year-old has been a big-play threat most of his career.

The 2023 season was arguably his best. While playing with the Detroit Lions, Reynolds registered 608 receiving yards on just 40 catches with five touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception.

Over his nine-year career, Reynolds has earned just under $20 million.

Kozora named Reynolds a trade target for the Steelers with Calvin Austin III still out. The Pittsburgh starting wideout has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury.

Although not on injured reserve, Austin’s status for Week 8 remains unclear.

How Josh Reynolds Could Fit With Steelers

The Steelers already have a big and fast veteran wideout who can stretch the field for Arthur Smith’s offense (DK Metcalf). But as it’s currently constructed, the team’s passing game features tight ends as much as any in the league.

So, the Steelers might not pigeon-hole themselves into acquiring a possession, chain-moving receiver. Naturally, that kind of wideout would fit best opposite Metcalf.

But tight ends Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward already fill that role. So another weapon to stretch the field might be a better fit.

Austin is a big-play receiver himself. Last season, he averaged 15.2 yards per reception. But Austin doesn’t have Reynolds’ size.

Reynolds stands at 6-foot-3 while Austin is 5-foot-9.

Kozora made a clear argument for why the Jets should be willing to part with Reynolds. He has an expiring contract on a team who could be eliminated from playoff contention before Thanksgiving.

However, Reynolds would likely be inexpensive for the Steelers to acquire. He would also cost little money.

Reynolds could provide the much-needed receiver depth the Steelers need. The veteran, though, wouldn’t have to play in front of Austin (when he returns) or youngster Roman Wilson. If those two receivers continue to develop, then Reynolds could simply be cheap insurance.

But if Austin remains out and Wilson doesn’t earn a bigger role, Reynolds could fill a key hole in the Steelers offense.

When Will Calvin Austin III Return for Pittsburgh?

The Steelers should arguably acquire a receiver whether or not Austin returns from his shoulder injury in Week 8. But if Austin remains out, then there should be more urgency for general manager Omar Khan to make an addition.

Reading between the lines, Austin’s return will happen sooner rather than later. If the Steelers projected the fourth-year receiver to miss at least four games, then the team should have placed him on injured reserve two weeks ago.

But that didn’t happen. That likely means the Steelers expect Austin to return by Week 9 on November 2.

There hasn’t been a clear update on Austin’s status, though, since the team played its last game Thursday. Head coach Mike Tomlin could have an update when he addresses the media Tuesday.

In four games this season, Austin has 10 catches for 139 receiving yards and two touchdowns.