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The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a critical juncture in the 2025 season. Sitting at 4-3 and atop the AFC North, the window to maximize Aaron Rodgers’ final NFL campaign is wide open. With the trade deadline set for November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, General Manager Omar Khan has a golden opportunity to address glaring roster weaknesses that have emerged over the past two weeks.
The Steelers’ defensive collapse has been alarming, allowing 68 points over their last two games and ranking 30th in yards allowed. Meanwhile, the offense lacks a reliable No. 2 target behind DK Metcalf to give Rodgers the weapons he needs for a championship push. With the Cincinnati Bengals struggling at 3-5, the Baltimore Ravens at 2-5, and the Cleveland Browns in full rebuild mode, Pittsburgh’s path to divisional dominance has never been clearer. Here are three trades the Steelers must make before the deadline passes.
Trade Package:
Steelers Receive: WR Rashid Shaheed, 2026 5th-round pick
Saints Receive: 2026 3rd-round pick
Why This Move Makes Sense:
The Steelers desperately need a field-stretching receiver to complement DK Metcalf, and Rashid Shaheed fits the bill perfectly. The 27-year-old speedster has posted 39 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns in seven games this season, putting him on pace for his best NFL campaign despite questionable quarterback play in New Orleans.
There’s no Chris Olave
There’s no Tee Higgins
Give me RASHID SHAHEED pic.twitter.com/u4aIa46aeh
— MetcalfBurgh (@PickensBurgh) October 9, 2025
Pittsburgh has completed zero passes of 30 or more yards this season, and Aaron Rodgers has attempted just one such pass through five games. Shaheed’s blazing speed would immediately open up the vertical passing game and create more space underneath for the Steelers’ formidable tight end trio of Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington.
The Saints are 1-7 and clearly selling assets before the deadline. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that New Orleans is willing to part with Shaheed “if the compensation is fair and right,” with their asking price sitting at a third-round pick. Since Shaheed is on an expiring contract worth $4.2 million and set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Saints have every incentive to cash in now rather than lose him for nothing.
Trade Package:
Steelers Receive: CB Tariq Woolen
Seahawks Receive: 2026 4th-round pick, 2027 conditional 5th-round pick
Why This Move Makes Sense:
The Steelers’ secondary has been a disaster in 2025, with veteran cornerback Darius Slay struggling so badly that he was benched during the Week 8 loss to Green Bay. Pittsburgh’s pass defense ranks dead last in the NFL, allowing Jordan Love to complete 20 consecutive passes in their most recent defeat. The unit has been plagued by missed tackles, blown coverages, and miscommunication all season long.
TARIQ Woolen is back
7 Targets, 2 Catches Allowed
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