Steelers Reportedly Eye WR, 'Anything' on Defense at Trade Deadline After Packers Loss

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in first place in the AFC North but may need to bolster their roster ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline following two straight losses.

With that as the backdrop, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Wednesday (six-minute mark) that "the Steelers need a lot of things, including a wide receiver and anything on the defensive side of the ball."

Pittsburgh's need for another impact wide receiver is obvious.

DK Metcalf is Aaron Rodgers' go-to option, but running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren each have more catches than any other wide receiver. So do tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth.

Calvin Austin is sixth on the team with 14 catches, while Roman Wilson is next among wide receivers with just eight catches.

The Steelers have made it work because of Rodgers' ability to mix in the tight ends and running backs in the aerial attack, but it is putting too much pressure on Metcalf to put up big numbers every game. It also allows opposing secondaries to focus even more of their attention on stopping Metcalf with double teams and star cornerbacks.

▶️ Full Steelers-Packers Recap

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As for the defense, it is 30th in the league in yards allowed per game and just gave up 33 points in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and 35 points in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers are still 4-3 thanks to their impressive start to the season, but things are trending in the wrong direction with the overall defensive struggles. Schultz painted with a broad brush in saying the team could use "anything" on that side of the ball, but it is hard to argue with the assertion.

If Pittsburgh doesn't address the defense, it could struggle the rest of the season with remaining matchups against the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.