Deebo Samuel’s name is back in the trade rumor mill, and it’s sparking a lot of buzz. At the start of the season, there were whispers about the Steelers trying to acquire Samuel, especially with Brandon Aiyuk locking in his new deal. After losing Aiyuk and Davante Adams, does Mike Tomlin have his eye on the Niners WR?

With the trade deadline fast approaching, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is exploring options to bolster his roster. One option could involve acquiring star wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who could bring a dynamic element to Pittsburgh’s offense. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the 49ers could consider moving him if they get the “right offer.” But why would they? Sure, Deebo hasn’t been his usual self, with only two broken tackles in six games, leading some to think he’s slowing down. But San Francisco, currently sitting at 3-3, is still in the NFC West race.

Furthermore, the 49ers quickly squashed those rumors by restructuring Deebo’s contract, freeing up $16.4 million in cap space and making it seem like he was staying put in San Francisco. Fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly, Deebo is once again a name to watch ahead of the trade deadline.

Additionally, names like Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and receivers Diontae Johnson, Jonathan Mingo, and Adam Thielen are floating in trade talks. The Steelers could also consider players like Titans wideouts Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins to enhance their receiving corps as they aim for a playoff push.

It seems like the next few games will be crucial. If they beat teams like the Chiefs and Cowboys, they’ll likely be buyers at the deadline. But if the season takes a downward turn, Samuel could be a key piece to move.

Failed Adams and Aiyuk trades leave Pittsburgh searching for answers

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason and early season were filled with hopes of landing a marquee wide receiver, but those dreams were dashed with failed trade attempts for Davante Adams and Brandon Aiyuk. Both players would have been game-changers, and now, the Steelers are left scrambling to fill the void.

The Aiyuk saga was one of the biggest offseason storylines. The Steelers were close to striking a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, but things fell apart when the Denver Broncos refused to send Courtland Sutton to the 49ers. NFL insider Dianna Russini explained that the Broncos were the “reason general manager Omar Khan couldn’t pull off a blockbuster trade” for Aiyuk. Had that deal gone through, Aiyuk would’ve been catching passes in black and gold by now.

Fast forward to October, and the Steelers’ eyes turned to another superstar – Davante Adams. Unfortunately, the New York Jets swooped in and snatched up Adams, leaving the Steelers empty-handed once again. Now, the focus shifts to former Chargers wideout Mike Williams as a potential addition. “Williams could be the next name to monitor as Pittsburgh tries to add depth before the Nov. 5 deadline,” reported Noah Strackbein of SI on Steelers.

With George Pickens showing promise, the Steelers still need help at receiver. But with two missed opportunities, the pressure is mounting for Pittsburgh to find the right fit.