While the Steelers explored the wide receiver trade market, including Jakobi Meyers, Chris Hoke commended them for passing. Not because he feels that they couldn’t have benefited from a wide receiver, but because of the relative value. Especially with respect to what Meyers went for, would the Steelers have extracted similar value?
Appearing on 93.7 The Fan, Hoke explained that the Steelers’ offense isn’t really geared toward having a Jakobi Meyers as a second wide receiver, so giving up a fourth- and sixth-round pick for him doesn’t make great sense.
“That’s more of the Arthur Smith offense. You go out and you give up draft capital for a No. 2 receiver. To me, it doesn’t fit their personality right now,” he said.
The Steelers frequently run their tight ends and rotate their personnel from game to game. Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, and Jonnu Smith all play more or less each week, depending on the matchup. Recently, Roman Wilson has been playing more on offense, and Calvin Austin III is back as the second receiver. Would the Steelers benefit significantly from a Jakobi Meyers trade relative to what they have?
“I think that they’re content unless something really falls into their lap and it was gonna make sense,” Hoke said, speculating on the Steelers’ mindset about the wide receiver position, and specifically Meyers, at the trade deadline last week. “I applaud the Steelers for not overspending for a guy that isn’t gonna fit the personality they have as an offense right now.”
While the Steelers didn’t trade for Meyers or any of the other wide receivers that moved, they made one addition. They signed veteran WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, although he is currently only on the practice squad. It’s not immediately clear whether they envision a role for him, but it’s certainly a possibility.
Chris Hoke acknowledged that the Steelers could have benefited this year from a trade for a wide receiver like a Jakobi Meyers or a Jaylen Waddle. But “at what cost?” he asked. Pittsburgh is actively protecting its future draft picks, understanding the long-term vision, particularly at the quarterback position. Unless they saw Meyers as a long-term starter and were willing to sign him to a significant extension, it didn’t make a lot of sense.
Remember, the Steelers already made a huge trade for a wide receiver all the way back in March. They gave up a second-round pick for DK Metcalf and then gave him a $150 million contract. Most teams don’t sign two wide receivers to huge deals, and it’s reasonable to assume they anticipate building through the draft.
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