Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly eyeing several potential wide receiver targets, including former All-Pro Davante Adams. However, Adams isn’t the only receiver the Steelers could pursue. ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler have recently linked the Steelers to Cleveland Browns veteran Amari Cooper as a potential trade option, should the Browns decide to make him available.
“If Cleveland continues to slide, Amari Cooper could be an attractive option because his contract restructure has him playing on a minimum base salary,” Fowler wrote. Despite Cooper being a tantalizing addition for Pittsburgh’s receiving corps, there’s one significant obstacle: the Steelers and Browns are division rivals.
Can Pittsburgh and Cleveland Strike a Deal?
Trades within the AFC North are notoriously difficult to execute. The last time the Steelers and Browns agreed to a trade was in 2017, when Pittsburgh sent wideout Sammie Coates and a 2019 seventh-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for a 2017 sixth-rounder. Since then, in-division trades between the two clubs have been nonexistent. Still, the Steelers’ interest in Cooper is noteworthy, especially considering their pressing need at wide receiver following the trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this year.
“Cooper would be one to watch for Pittsburgh, though it’d be an in-division trade, and those are tough to execute,” Graziano added, acknowledging the challenge but not dismissing it entirely.
How Amari Cooper Could Help the Steelers
Should the Steelers pull off a rare intra-division trade, Cooper would provide an immediate upgrade to their offense. Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been productive across three different franchises—most recently with Cleveland, where he caught 72 passes for 1,250 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. His ability to serve as a possession receiver could complement George Pickens’ role as Pittsburgh’s deep threat, giving the Steelers a balanced attack.
While Cooper’s average yards per catch have dropped to a career-low 9.3 yards this season, his experience and consistency could help solidify a Steelers receiving group that lacks production outside of Pickens. No Steelers wideout other than Pickens is averaging more than two catches per game.
Adding Cooper would allow Pittsburgh’s other receivers, including Calvin Austin II, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, and Scotty Miller, to step into smaller, more specialized roles behind the duo of Pickens and Cooper.
Other Potential Wide Receiver Targets
Beyond Cooper, the Steelers are reportedly eyeing other high-profile receivers. Graziano noted that the team could also pursue Adams or DeAndre Hopkins if either becomes available. While Adams brings star power and proven production, he could be costly to acquire. Hopkins, meanwhile, has had a strong bounce-back season with over 1,000 yards in 2023, but he’s now on the downside of his career.
Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars is another name floated by ESPN as a potential target. At 27 years old, Kirk would bring youth and upside, but his price tag might be steeper than the more established veterans.
A Crucial Decision Ahead
With the NFL trade deadline looming, the Steelers are actively exploring their options to bolster their receiving corps. Acquiring Amari Cooper could be difficult due to divisional barriers, but with the team lacking depth and firepower at the position, it’s a possibility worth considering. Whether they target Cooper, Adams, or another receiver, one thing is clear: Pittsburgh is looking for an offensive spark as they push for playoff contention.
