Steelers Reportedly Eye Trade for 'Speed Threat' to Help Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf

Even after Thursday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in first place in the AFC North and in position to make the playoffs.

And they reportedly are interested in bolstering their aerial attack ahead of that playoff push.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Steelers are "in the market for a receiver" leading into the Nov. 4 trade deadline. "The addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense," he added.

Targeting another wide receiver would make sense from Pittsburgh's perspective.

After all, Metcalf has 406 receiving yards and four touchdowns through six games. No other wide receiver has more than Calvin Austin III's 139 yards through the air, as Rodgers has relied more on tight end Pat Freiermuth and running back Jaylen Warren as pass-catchers.

The drop off after Austin is even more significant, as Roman Wilson is third in the wide receiver room with a mere four catches. Tight ends Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington, as well as running back Kenneth Gainwell, have been more involved in the passing game.

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Any wide receiver Pittsburgh trades for is going to find himself in favorable matchups. 

Opposing defenses focus much of their attention on Metcalf, which will open up lanes in the secondary for other options. Having someone with speed would also be ideal in single coverage against the No. 2 or 3 cornerback on the other side.

What's more, a deep threat could be beneficial for Metcalf as well if it forces safeties to start deeper in coverage. The two-time Pro Bowler thrives on underneath routes with his physicality, and there should be more of those available with another threat in the passing attack.

For now, the Steelers have found success rotating multiple tight ends and being overly reliant on Metcalf.

But another wide receiver could elevate the ceiling, which may be necessary to compete against the AFC's best teams come playoff time.