Steelers could trade for Jaguars 48-catch wide receiver to pair with D.K. Metcalf

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a rare bold move for a playmaker this offseason, trading for star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. 

With an elite receiver like Metcalf on the team, one would assume the Steelers' group of weapons is in good shape. However, the receiver room still doesn't have depth. George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys while Van Jefferson and Mike Williams signed elsewhere in free agency. 

Currently, veteran Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III, and Roman Wilson are the top options behind Metcalf. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising to see the team add more competition to the room before the 2025 season begins.

Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot thinks Parker Washington of the Jacksonville Jaguars could be a logical fit for the team. The Jaguars have made several moves at the receiver position this offseason, so Washington could be deemed expendable. 

Regarding that potential fit, Kozora offered the following: 

A sixth-round pick in 2023 out of Penn State, Washington put up solid though far from spectacular numbers last year. He caught 32 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns. He also sprinkled in return work, running back five kickoffs and registered a 96-yard punt return touchdown in a London win over the New England Patriots. 

Washington isn't the biggest or fastest, but is a plus route runner with good body control. He's on a cheap rookie deal through the 2026 season and will cost the Steelers only a Day 3 pick in a hypothetical trade. 

As Kozora mentioned, Washington hasn't been elite in the NFL, but he's been a fine complimentary piece that adds value on special teams as well. 

Overall, Washington has caught 48 passes for 522 yards and five touchdowns over 26 games in the NFL. In Pittsburgh, Washington could immediately compete for the WR3 spot and possibly take a huge step forward in his development. 

The Jaguars could be open to moving Washington after the moves they made this offseason. The team drafted Travis Hunter and signed Dyami Brown in free agency, so targets could be hard to come by for Washington. 

Going to Pittsburgh would be somewhat of a homecoming for Washington. The receiver played his college ball in College Station with Penn State and caught 146 passes for 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons with the Nittany Lions. 

If Washington does land in Pittsburgh, there wouldn't be any pressure as Metcalf and tight end Pat Freiermuth will undoubtedly take most of the attention from defenses. Washington could also challenge Austin and Kenneth Gainwell for the lead returner job.