Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are at a crucial crossroads, particularly in their wide receiver room, following an offseason that saw numerous roster changes. In March, the Steelers acquired DK Metcalf for a 2025 second-round pick in an attempt to match him with George Pickens, a rising star. However, they created a gaping void at the WR2 position when they recently traded Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for future draft assets, along with a 2027 sixth-round pick.
The Steelers are now looking for a dependable, elite wide receiver to complement Metcalf. They are focusing on improving their offense. As veteran Robert Woods, speedster Calvin Austin III, and 2024 third-round selection Roman Wilson are fighting for snaps. Enter Chris Olave, the former standout player for Ohio State who was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the eleventh overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Early reports suggested that the Steelers were interested in Chris Olave. NFL insider Austin Bechtold tweeted a crucial quote from colleague Nick Farabaugh, saying, “The Steelers called on Chris Olave and essentially they were told no.” According to these sources, the Saints are asking for a second-round pick and a day-three pick for Olave, which is a costly price tag. Some people think New Orleans would wait for a first-round pick. Farabaugh’s direct synopsis? “Saints ain’t trading Olave.”
Farabaugh’s report was also supported by Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA), “The #Saints aren’t actively looking to move WR Chris Olave, despite Steelers’ interest.” And Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com revealed that although Pittsburgh has at least dabbled in trade conversations, they are still in their “extremely preliminary level.” In summary, a deal doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon.
(Saints ain’t trading Olave) https://t.co/0blNW28178
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 17, 2025
And why not? Just look at his resume. After catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season, Olave had an even more successful sophomore season in 2023, hauling in 87 receptions for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns. The Saints regard him as a significant component for their offense’s future. Though 2024 was a setback, just 32 catches for 400 yards in eight games because of two concussions. Still, the Saints clearly appreciate Olave since they exercised his fifth-year rookie option, keeping him under contract through 2026.
And it makes sense, particularly in light of the 2025 quarterback competition that New Orleans will have between rookies Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. It may be very beneficial to have Olave around to coach a possible first-round quarterback next spring.
In the meantime, Pickens’ departure has reduced the number of wide receivers on Pittsburgh’s depth chart. And the problem is made worse by the ambiguity at the center. The Steelers’ quarterback situation: veteran Aaron Rodgers is still unsigned, and Mason Rudolph re-signed with rookie sixth-round picks Will Howard and Skylar Thompson. To put it briefly, Pittsburgh will have to look for alternative ways to strengthen its receiving corps, as Olave is still off limits.
Steelers’ rocky road ahead: Can Mike Tomlin dodge a season slump?
The difficulties Pittsburgh faces extend beyond the negotiating table. Mike Tomlin’s team faces a brutal start, according to ESPN’s early 2025 schedule analysis. With just two home games over the first seven weeks, the team has a formidable road schedule. It includes challenging tests against the Jets (headed by none other than former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields), Patriots, and Bengals. This lineup feeds into a larger problem. The Steelers are starting the season without their top quarterback, rusher, or receiver from 2024.
The Steelers may be staring at a 0–6 start, according to analysts like Dan Orlovsky. Louis Riddick notes that the quarterback situation appears to be better for every other team except for Mike Tomlin’s squad. And for good reason: There is risk associated with Mason Rudolph’s return on a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Despite his flashes, he hasn’t produced consistency since coming in 2018.
Perhaps Pittsburgh is counting on the elusive Aaron Rodgers, whose arrival would change their fortunes overnight. But Rodgers’ position as a free agent is still up in the air. And maybe the greatest mistake of all? Letting Justin Fields walk. He was young, athletic, and gaining experience, making him maybe the best quarterback available when free agency arrived. So, Fields signed with the Jets because Pittsburgh was hesitant to lock him down.
Now, the Steelers are in for a turbulent 2025. With Fields gone. Rodgers unsigned. And the wide receiver room is in flux. Mike Tomlin is hitting the reset button hard. But without the key pieces he missed out on, this season could be the tragic beginning of a rocky rebuilding phase.
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