The Pittsburgh Steelers have surprised many people so far this season, starting the year 3-1. Perhaps what has been the biggest surprise, though, is that the Steelers have been playing relatively well without the quarterback they signed to be their starter playing for them yet this season.

During the offseason, the Steelers made the [wise] decision to move on from Kenny Pickett as their starting quarterback. They signed nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson after he was released by the Denver Broncos and then acquired Justin Fields via trade with the Chicago Bears.

All summer, most people expected Wilson to be named the starter. However, the aging quarterback sustained a calf injury and has not played yet this season. Instead, the Steelers have found a great deal of success with Fields under center.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Missed Out on Brandon Aiyuk

As many fans are well aware, the Steelers were linked to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for most of the offseason. Back in February, the All-Pro pass catcher informed San Francisco that he wanted a new contract. Talks were difficult and trade rumors abounded for months.

Aiyuk himself named the Steelers as one of the teams that he could have seen himself playing for in 2024 if he did not get a contract extension worked out with the 49ers.

When he did request a trade during training camp, the Steelers were there with an acceptable offer for San Francisco and a contract extension for Aiyuk.

At the last minute, though, the disgruntled wide receiver decided to sign an extension with San Francisco, leaving the Steelers high and dry.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Making an Aggressive Push to Acquire Davante Adams in a Trade with the Las Vegas Raiders

Since the Steelers were heavily involved in discussions with and for Aiyuk, it is not a secret that they are in the market for a premier wide receiver via trade. Earlier this week, three-time All-Pro Davante Adams informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he would prefer a trade over finishing the season with them.

Of course, there are a handful of teams that are interested in trading for Adams, including the New York Jets, who boast his former quarterback with the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers, as their starter.

However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported today that it is Pittsburgh who is making the biggest push to acquire the six-time Pro Bowler:

“The Pittsburgh Steelers, who you may recall were interested in trading for Brandon Aiyuk before he signed an extension with San Francisco this summer, are also in touch with the Raiders’ front office. I’m told Pittsburgh is making an aggressive offer.”

According to other reports, the Raiders want a second-round draft pick plus additional compensation in exchange for Adams. Obviously, whatever the Steelers are offering is not public knowledge, but that second-round pick is almost assuredly on the table.

When the Raiders first acquired Adams, they sent a first and second round pick to Green Bay. It is not likely that they will get a first-round pick as part of their return, but they could get additional late round picks or a player (or both).