Steelers Pushing for Trade with Saints to Acquire $20M Wide Receiver Amid Calvin Austin III’s Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly exploring a major move to bolster their receiving corps following Calvin Austin III’s shoulder injury. According to multiple league sources, the front office has initiated trade discussions with the New Orleans Saints for one of their most talented young receivers — a move that could reshape the Steelers’ offense heading into the second half of the season.

With Austin expected to remain sidelined until at least mid-November, Pittsburgh has been actively searching for an immediate replacement who can complement DK Metcalf and continue building chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan are said to be in alignment about pursuing a proven weapon rather than relying solely on rookie Roman Wilson or rotational depth players.

While several names have surfaced, including veterans like Curtis Samuel and Alec Pierce, league insiders report that Chris Olave has become the Steelers’ primary target. The 24-year-old wideout, who’s on a $20 million rookie deal with the Saints, has already logged over 2,000 receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons and remains one of the smoothest route runners in the league. Sources indicate Pittsburgh has shown “serious intent” in negotiations and could offer future draft capital or a defensive starter to make the deal work under the cap.

For Pittsburgh, the move isn’t just about replacing Austin — it’s about seizing momentum. The team has started 3-1 and is eyeing a deeper playoff push under Rodgers’ leadership. Bringing in Olave would give the Steelers a dynamic vertical threat capable of stretching defenses and opening lanes for the ground game.

If talks progress as expected, the trade could be finalized before the Week 7 deadline. “We’re always looking to get better, and when a talent like that becomes even remotely available, you have to pick up the phone,” one team source reportedly said.

A deal for Chris Olave would mark one of the Steelers’ boldest in-season acquisitions in recent memory — and a clear signal that Pittsburgh intends to contend, not just compete.