NFL Wide Receiver Trades Expected Among Steelers, Texans, Bengals, Titans

Several NFL teams are actively addressing their wide receiver needs through trades and acquisitions ahead of the 2025 season. The Pittsburgh Steelers are predicted to pursue Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton at the trade deadline to pair with DK Metcalf, offering a dynamic duo for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though signing Sutton to an extension could be costly. The Tennessee Titans have revamped their receiving corps, signing veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, drafting Elic Ayomanor, and bringing back Calvin Ridley, which likely pushes former first-round pick Treylon Burks out; a proposed trade sending Burks to the Las Vegas Raiders could offer him a fresh start. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans have a crowded wide receiver room after adding Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel, making John Metchie III expendable; multiple analysts suggest a trade sending Metchie to the Cincinnati Bengals would benefit both teams, giving the Bengals depth and providing Metchie a better opportunity to contribute. Metchie, who overcame leukemia and has yet to secure a consistent role, would likely be acquired for a late-round draft pick. These moves illustrate teams' strategic efforts to balance veteran presence, young talent, and cap space in building competitive receiving units.