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The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively looking for help at the wide receiver position with just days left before the November 4 NFL trade deadline. The search for another weapon on offense comes as Aaron Rodgers and his team look to maximize their chances in what could be the quarterback’s final season in the league.

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One name that has consistently popped up in trade discussions is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Earlier today, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL GameDay Morning that Pittsburgh remains focused on adding receiver depth.

“Speaking of trade market, Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers are also in the trade market. They’ve done this a couple of times. They traded for a receiver last year in Mike Williams. They traded for DK Metcalf this past offseason.”

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The Steelers have made it clear they prefer adding a speed threat alongside their star receiver DK Metcalf.

“My understanding is they are looking for receiver help in advance of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline. A couple of names to watch,” Rapoport explained during his coverage.

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26-year-old Jaylen Waddle signed a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension with the Dolphins last May that included $76 million guaranteed. According to Adam Schefter, Miami is open to considering trades on almost any player on their roster.

That stance shifted dramatically after the team parted ways with general manager Chris Grier. Schefter wrote that the Dolphins would demand a first-round draft pick and additional compensation for the 6-foot-1 receiver. The high price tag makes sense given his production this season. Thus far, he’s recorded 41 receptions for 586 yards and four touchdowns.

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Meanwhile, the Steelers have explored other interests as well. Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers and New Orleans Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed are potential alternatives. Pittsburgh’s current receiving depth chart includes Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek behind Metcalf. Austin’s shoulder injury in Week 4 forced him to miss multiple contests before returning against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.

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But the injury situation at wide receiver has only grown more complicated.

WR injuries mount, increasing pressure on Aaron Rodgers

Ben Skowronek landed on the team’s injury report Wednesday with an unspecified neck injury that limited him in practice. The 28-year-old has been a key contributor on special teams all season, logging 139 snaps on that side of the ball. The injury surprised many since Skowronek did not show signs of discomfort after practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

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Known for his toughness and willingness to block, Skowronek’s role goes beyond catching passes. The 6-foot-3 veteran has earned the nickname “Dirtbag” from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for his willingness to block and do the dirty work.

His special teams work, however, has made him invaluable. He’s appeared in 74 percent of the team’s special teams snaps this season. If he can’t play, the Steelers’ coverage units could take a noticeable hit ahead of their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Scotty Miller, meanwhile, adds to the injury complications on the receiving side. The veteran wideout has been dealing with a broken finger on his left hand. He is listed as a non-participant early in the injury report process for Week 9, suggesting he may not be ready to return just yet.

The timing of these injuries highlights the reason behind the Steelers front office being active in pursuing trade options leading up to the deadline. The team cannot rely on depth pieces when Metcalf remains the only consistent healthy weapon. Adding someone like Waddle, Meyers, or Shaheed would immediately change how defenses approach the Steelers’ offense and open up the playbook for both Aaron Rodgers.

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