The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting good at making a wide receiver trade. DK Metcalf last year, Michael Pittman this year. Odds are, their trades only happen once per year. But if GM Omar Khan is interested in making another, he should call the Denver Broncos, who may be looking to offload a name.
Last week, Denver made a blockbuster deal to acquire Miami Dolphins’ wideout Jaylen Waddle. It’s a major move that puts the Broncos in win-now mode. The team paid a high price – a first, third and fourth rounder – but it’s a smart move with a quarterback on a rookie deal and the Kansas City Chiefs vulnerable for the first time in a decade.
Adding Waddle leaves a surplus. Denver might be looking to offload a receiver now buried on the depth chart. The two most likely names? Troy Franklin or Marvin Mims.
Mims has posted steady but unspectacular numbers. Last season, 37 receptions for 322 yards and one touchdown, a low average hiding his speed and downfield ability. That showed in the playoff with a 52-yard grab in the AFC Championship Game.
Mims’ real value to Pittsburgh could go beyond receiver. Mims is an accomplished returner, a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro (one first-team, one second-team) for his prowess there.
Since entering the NFL in 2023, Mims ranks second league-wide in punt return average at a healthy 15.6 yards on 74 runbacks with one score. His touchdown came last season, a wild escape from a throng of Las Vegas Raiders’ would-be tacklers to take it to the house.
He’s less successful as a kick returner, 26th league-wide at 26.6 yards, but that would be a breath of fresh air for a Pittsburgh team struggling to get out of the basement. Mims would come in as the starting kick and punt returner, and after the draft, probably a No. 4 receiver.
Despite being in the league for three years, he just turned 24 years old. Mims’ biggest drawback is his contract. He’s entering the final year of his rookie deal with a base salary raised by his proven performance escalator. But his price tag will be kept down and cheap.
What would he cost? It’s difficult to say. Maybe something simple like a fifth-rounder. Maybe something more complicated like a swap. Denver has just one Day Two pick and probably wants another. Perhaps Pittsburgh trades No. 99 and a sixth-rounder for Denver’s fourth rounder, say No. 111.
Franklin finished up a solid second year of his career, breaking out with 65 receptions, 709 yards and six touchdowns. Now, he’s feeling the squeeze. He could remain as the No. 3 receiver, but if the team wants Pat Bryant for that role – last year’s third round pick – Franklin may fall out of favor.
In Pittsburgh, he could serve as the Steelers’ No. 3 and truly lessen the need for the Steelers to address the position early. His cost might also be greater, possibly the No. 99 overall pick, but it could be worth it to get a player with a known NFL resume.
Pittsburgh may choose to reject both ideas. The draft class is deep and offers plenty of receiving talent to help on offense and special teams. But if the Steelers want to keep working the phones, Denver is the place to search.