Pittsburgh Steelers fans might no longer be desperate for a new wide receiver, but that doesn’t mean General Manager Omar Khan is done exploring trade opportunities. According to multiple reports, the Steelers are still active in the market — and this time, the focus has shifted toward the NFC South.

💥 TROUBLE WITH RAIDERS TRADE TALKS

In recent weeks, Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers has been the main target for Pittsburgh. However, insiders suggest that the Raiders are playing hardball, demanding at least a third-round draft pick in exchange. That steep asking price may be too high for a player who’s been inconsistent this season.

If the Raiders remain unwilling to negotiate, the Steelers will need a Plan B. According to ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler, the team could pivot toward a deal with an NFC South franchise — and one name that has surfaced prominently is Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints.

⚡ WHY RASHID SHAHEED MAKES PERFECT SENSE FOR PITTSBURGH

At 27 years old, Shaheed is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in New Orleans. Known for his blazing speed and explosive return ability, he’s a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and create big plays — something the Steelers’ offense could use more of.

With the Saints struggling this year and Shaheed set to become a free agent at the end of the season, his name has become increasingly popular in trade circles. The Steelers reportedly showed interest earlier in the year when Calvin Austin III suffered an injury. Both players share similar skill sets built around speed and vertical threat potential.

🧠 OMAR KHAN’S STRATEGIC APPROACH

General Manager Omar Khan, praised for his bold and calculated moves, could view Shaheed as a smarter investment than Meyers. Trading a third-round pick for Shaheed makes far more sense than giving the same value for a 29-year-old receiver who’s trending downward.

Furthermore, Pittsburgh currently owns two third-round selections, and is projected to receive another compensatory pick during the 2025 offseason. That flexibility allows Khan to negotiate from a position of strength — and ESPN notes that Pittsburgh could even try to lower the price to a fourth-round pick if New Orleans is open to talks.

🏈 HOW WOULD SHAHEED FIT INTO THE STEELERS’ SYSTEM?

The big question is: how often would Shaheed actually see the field?

The Steelers’ offense under Mike Tomlin frequently employs multiple tight end sets, emphasizing physicality and control rather than speed. With Calvin Austin III now healthy and DK Metcalf firmly established as a top target, Shaheed might face limited snaps unless the offensive scheme adjusts to his strengths.

Still, adding a vertical threat like Shaheed could significantly complicate things for opposing defenses. His ability to take the top off coverage would open up space for Metcalf, George Pickens, and the tight ends underneath — giving the Steelers a much-needed spark in their passing attack.

🌟 SHOULD THE STEELERS TRUST THEIR YOUNG TALENT INSTEAD?

Another intriguing option for Pittsburgh is to continue developing Roman Wilson, their second-year wideout who recently scored his first career touchdown in Week 8. Wilson’s growth could make an external trade less necessary if he continues trending upward.

However, the fact that Khan remains active in exploring trade options indicates the front office is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of offensive improvement. The AFC North has become increasingly competitive, and the Steelers know that a single high-impact addition could make the difference between a playoff push and another early exit.

📢 FINAL THOUGHTS

While no official offer has been made, multiple insiders have confirmed that Rashid Shaheed is on the Steelers’ radar as a legitimate trade target — especially if negotiations with the Raiders stall.
Whether it’s Shaheed, Meyers, or another surprise name, one thing is certain: Omar Khan is not afraid to pull the trigger if it means boosting Pittsburgh’s offense for the playoff stretch.

With the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline quickly approaching, fans can expect the Steelers’ front office to stay aggressive and creative. And as ESPN Insider Fowler hinted — “A move like this wouldn’t be cheap, but it could be the spark Pittsburgh needs.”