The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a pivotal crossroads in 2025. With a 3-1 record heading into Week 6 and a future Hall of Fame quarterback under center in Aaron Rodgers, the time to push all chips to the center of the table is now.This season represents a rare convergence of opportunity, urgency, and vulnerability across the AFC landscape. If there was ever a time for general manager Omar Khan to be aggressive, it’s this trade deadline.
At 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers is likely playing the final season of his storied career. He’s shown flashes of vintage brilliance early in the year, but the clock is ticking. Rodgers’ one-year deal with Pittsburgh was always about chasing one last ring, and the Steelers owe it to him, and themselves, to maximize this window. His arm talent and football IQ remain elite, but he needs help. The offense, while efficient, lacks depth and explosiveness beyond DK Metcalf. Calvin Austin is injured, Roman Wilson has yet to emerge, and Pat Freiermuth has been underused. If Pittsburgh is serious about contending , they must add another weapon.
Fortunately, the trade market is ripe with opportunity. Jakobi Meyers of the Las Vegas Raiders is a logical, cost-effective target, he is reliable, experienced, and available for a probable mid-round pick. If the Steelers want to swing bigger, Miami’s Jaylen Waddle and/or Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown may be available. Even names like Rashid Shaheed of New Orleans or Allen Lazard of the New York Jets could add some much needed depth to a depthless squad. The point is clear: the Steelers cannot afford to stand pat.
What makes this moment even more urgent is the state of the AFC. Traditional powerhouses like the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs are struggling. Baltimore sits at 1-4, plagued by defensive breakdowns and inconsistency, along with Lamar Jackson having hamstring issues. Kansas City, meanwhile, is a pedestrian 2-3, with a declining Travis Kelce and a defense that has shown cracks. The AFC is wide open, and Pittsburgh has a real shot to seize control if they act decisively. The first overall seed could be on the table when the Buffalo Bills visit Accrisure Stadium in Week 13.
The Steelers’ defense has the potential to be a championship-caliber unit, and the offensive line has steadily improved (although the improvement needs to continue). But in today’s NFL, you need firepower to win in January. Rodgers can still deliver in big moments, but he needs more than just Metcalf and a group of questionables. Adding a legitimate No. 2 receiver would not only elevate the offense but also take pressure off the aging quarterback, allowing him to operate with more rhythm and less risk.
There’s also a cultural and emotional component to consider. Rodgers didn’t come to Pittsburgh to fade quietly into retirement. He came to compete. The locker room has bought in, the fan base is energized, and the team is winning. Making a bold move at the deadline would send a clear message: this organization is all-in in 2025. That kind of belief can galvanize a team and create the momentum needed for a deep playoff run.
Omar Khan has already shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves, trading for Metcalf, signing Rodgers, and reshaping the roster in short order through the draft. Now, he must finish the job. Whether it’s Meyers, Waddle, AJ Brown, or another under-the-radar playmaker, the Steelers need to strike while the iron is hot. The AFC North is theirs for the taking, and the path to the Super Bowl is more navigable than it’s been in years.
In the end, this isn’t just about 2025. It’s about legacy. Rodgers has one last shot at glory. Mike Tomlin has a chance to add another championship, which should cement him as one of the top coaches of his time. Not to mention the Steelers can add to their storied franchise by winning No. 7. Playing it safe would be a disservice to all of that. It’s time to go all in.
NFL Trade Deadline:
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Time: 4 p.m. ET.
(photo courtesy of Steeler Nation)