The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ year-long search for a secondary option opposite wide receiver George Pickens in passing game continues as the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaches.

After missing out on San Francisco 49ers playmaker Brandon Aiyuk this summer, with Aiyuk ultimately re-signing with the Niners, it shouldn’t be surprising that Pittsburgh has been linked in multiple reports to Davante Adams after the star formally requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week.

If the Steelers are unable to pry Adams away from the Raiders, ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano suggests Tennessee Titans three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins could be in general manager Omar Khan’s sights.

“[Amari Cooper] would be one to watch for Pittsburgh,” Graziano notes. “Though it’d be an in-division trade, and those are tough to execute. I would expect the Steelers to be in on Davante Adams, along with DeAndre Hopkins if he becomes available, and I do wonder about Christian Kirk in Jacksonville.”

Hopkins’ signing with the Tennessee Titans never made that much sense, and Tennessee holding onto the veteran receiver amid wild uncertainty at quarterback makes less sense than ever, given the draft capital he could fetch in a trade to accelerate a rebuild.

What DeAndre Hopkins Would Bring Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers could wind up creating a formidable receiving duo with Pickens’ playmaking ability and ability to stretch the field combined with Hopkins’ prowess as a big-bodied red-zone target, which could elevate quarterback Justin Fields and the offense.

Hopkins could also benefit from a change of scenery, having pulled down just 10 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown through the first four weeks of 2024.

Whether Hopkins’ next destination is the Steel City, or if he’s even traded at all, remain to be seen.