Remember those tense baseball pennant races where one big bat could change everything? Or that feeling under the hood when your classic car just needs the right part to roar? That’s the vibe swirling around Pittsburgh’s South Side facility right now. Mike Tomlin isn’t just staring at the engine; he’s actively rummaging through the toolbox. The Steelers’ offense sputtered down the stretch last year like a stalled muscle car on the Fort Pitt Bridge. Something’s got to give, and patience isn’t the name of this game. The whispers are getting louder, hinting at moves designed to ignite a spark, pronto.
It’s like waiting for that perfect fishing lure while the big ones swim by. Sure, a legendary quarterback free agent drifts in the current, casting a long shadow. But Mike Tomlin knows championships aren’t won by waiting for the maybe. The Steelers’ history, steeped in six Lombardi trophies, demands action. They’ve been stuck in playoff neutral since Obama’s second term. Fans crave more than just avoiding a losing season; they crave January fireworks. So, what’s the buzz?
Forget waiting on Aaron Rodgers. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan are aggressively hunting now for an offensive playmaker to pair with star wideout DK Metcalf. “The #Steelers have had preliminary conversations with multiple teams about potentially adding another playmaker on offense to complement DK Metcalf, per multiple sources,” Schultz tweeted. He added the key detail: “Pittsburgh is believed to be motivated to get a deal done at some point, though there’s still plenty of time before the season.” This isn’t idle chatter; it’s a targeted mission. And the urgency makes sense.
Trading George Pickens to Dallas left a gaping hole opposite Metcalf. While Calvin Austin III showed flashes and Roman Wilson is healthy, counting solely on internal solutions feels like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Remember, this offense hasn’t cracked the top 10 in scoring since 2018. Mike Tomlin understands that relying on potential won’t cut it in the brutal AFC North. They need proven firepower, and they’re willing to deal for it. The target board is wide open—receiver, tight end, any dynamic weapon.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Steelers have had trade talks with multiple teams with the focus of adding an offensive playmaker, per @Schultz_Report
Pittsburgh has a plethora of draft capital and seem motivated to make another trade. pic.twitter.com/LB0Xm8ihYf
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 29, 2025
The Steelers have the ammo to make a serious play. Thanks to savvy moves and projected compensatory picks, Schultz notes, “The Steelers could have up to 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft,” including five in the first three rounds. That’s serious draft capital burning a hole in Khan’s pocket. They can afford to part with assets now, confident future picks will replenish the stockpile. This flexibility empowers Mike Tomlin to be bold.
Now, one name consistently linked is Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. A proven pass-catcher coming off a career year (88 catches, 884 yards, 8 TDs), Smith has deep ties to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from their Tennessee days. He fits the mold of the versatile weapon this offense craves. But Schultz’s report clearly indicates Smith isn’t the only option. Pittsburgh is casting a wide net. Who else might be in play? Could a surprise name shake loose? The intrigue is building fast.
Tomlin’s calculated gamble
Mike Tomlin knows the pressure is on. Critics like ESPN’s Damien Woody have loudly questioned if the Steelers should have even traded him to jumpstart a rebuild and chase a franchise QB. Woody pointedly noted the playoff win drought: “It’s been almost a decade… Three presidential inaugurations.” That sting resonates. But trading Tomlin was never truly in the cards. His track record (183 wins, a Super Bowl ring) and leadership are bedrock. Instead, Mike Tomlin is doubling down on building a contender around the current structure, aggressively addressing the most glaring weakness.
The Aaron Rodgers situation remains a fascinating subplot, but it’s clearly secondary. Landing him might make a reunion with a familiar target like Jets WR Allen Lazard feasible. However, the Steelers’ primary actions scream they won’t let the Rodgers saga dictate their entire offensive overhaul. They’re operating under the assumption that adding elite talent makes any quarterback better. Think of it like giving a great pitcher a stellar defense—it elevates the whole team. The focus is squarely on getting Metcalf the help he needs, regardless of who’s throwing the ball.
Names like Saints WR Chris Olave or Packers WR Romeo Doubs have surfaced in rumors, though their availability is uncertain. The beauty of Schultz’s “multiple teams” report is the element of surprise. Pittsburgh could target a rising star or a proven veteran looking for a new home. The key is impact. They need someone defenses truly fear, forcing them out of doubling Metcalf on every crucial down. Finding that player is Khan and Tomlin’s top priority. The hunt is officially on.
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are navigating a critical juncture. They’re bypassing the quarterback waiting game, refusing to let uncertainty paralyze progress. Instead, they’re proactively chasing game-changing offensive talent to unleash DK Metcalf and revitalize a stagnant attack. With significant draft capital and clear motivation, a major move feels inevitable.
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