Steelers Strike Out On Latest Wide Receiver Trade Target

PITTSBURGH, PA — Instead of playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, Davante Adams likely will be on the field against them.

The wide receiver that the Steelers reportedly were interested in acquiring from the Las Vegas Raiders instead was traded to the New York Jets on Tuesday, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The price was relatively inexpensive: a conditional third-round pick that could become a second-round pick if Adams becomes an All-Pro selection or is on the team if the Jets advance to the AFC championship game or the Super Bowl.

The deal is a blow to the Steelers, who are woefully weak at the wide receiver position and had been pursuing Adams. George Pickens, their top wideout, has just 26 receptions for 363 yards and has yet to score a touchdown in the team's first six games.

Adams is the second top receiver trade target the Steelers have whiffed on in recent months. The Steelers were involved in trade talks with the San Francisco 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk, but the 49ths ultimately signed Aiyuk to a contract extension.

Adams could be in uniform when the Jets play the Steelers Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.