The Steelers’ lack of receiver depth has been evident ever since they traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers in the offseason. Although Pittsburgh attempted to acquire Brandon Aiyuk to cover that gap, Adams would likely be even more beneficial for an unreliable offense. Only twice this season have the Steelers scored 20 points in a game, and both times those occasions occurred in a loss. The Steelers’ best wide receiver, George Pickens, has only once been able to gain more than 100 yards in a game. Calvin Austin III did show up against the Chargers in addition to Pickens, with four receptions for 95 yards. But in the other three games put together, he has only caught three balls for thirty yards.
Though Russell Wilson still looms large over Justin Fields as a replacement option when healthy, defenses are able to neutralize Pickens in the hopes of sabotaging Pittsburgh’s passing game, regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Steelers. Adams’ addition would provide room for the entire offense and prevent defenses from merely surrounding Pickens with defenders.
BUFFALO BILLS
A player like Adams is desperately needed by the Steelers, but the Bills might need him even more. Despite leading the AFC East, Buffalo lacks a legitimate number one wide receiver.
Khalil Shakir has become Josh Allen’s top target, making 18 catches for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns while rookie Keon Coleman has been productive as well, but Adams would replace what Stefon Diggs was for Buffalo.
The Bills are hoping to capitalize on their high expectations by winning the Super Bowl this season. And after losing to Baltimore on Monday Night Football, the chances of that happening were severely diminished.
Few teams are under more pressure to win big this season than the Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, who is 40 years old. And that pressure, along with an offensive that isn’t working well and a 2-2 record, might make New York reconsider investing in a playmaker like Adams now rather than later.
NEW YORK JETS
Although Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson are good, they haven’t been sufficient. One of the NFL’s top quarterback-to-receiver tandems in the past was Rodgers to Adams. A reunion is intriguing because we know Adams and Rodgers have chemistry from their time together in Green Bay.
Adams, who has 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown with the Raiders this season, is a player that many teams would love to have, but his current contract could make a trade difficult.