The Pittsburgh Steelers’ alleged interest in trading receiver Chase Claypool would be a mistake. Any fan enthusiasm concerning a proposed swap is more evidence of the misguided belief that there’s some way to finagle the Steelers to a quicker fix.

There isn’t. The Steelers won’t make the playoffs this season or next. Even doing so in 2024 will take much work.

Right now, all emphasis must be on developing rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. The sooner Pickett blossoms, the sooner the Steelers return to contention.

Trading a legit weapon from a bad offense does Pickett zero good.

Claypool has shown only infrequent flashes since the Steelers drafted him in 2020’s second round.

Claypool is a big target at 6-foot-4. He’s OK at combat catches but should be better. He had a career-best 62 catches as a rookie. Claypool had seven receptions last week vs. Tampa Bay, his season high.

He’s a competent No. 3 receiver behind Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.

Trade Claypool, and who steps in? Miles Boykin and his two catches since the start of last season? Calvin Austin III, the rookie who’s been on IR all season and might not return? At least Boykin is 6-4. Austin is 5-9.

If Claypool gets traded and Johnson or Pickens get hurt, trickledown on the depth chart is a killer. The receiving corps goes from decent to lousy.

Pickett already is surrounded by arguably the NFL’s worst offense. Don’t make it worse. Pickett needs more help, not less.

What would trading Claypool bring in return?

One report says the Steelers are looking for a package comparable to what Carolina got for Christian McCaffrey. San Francisco parted with second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-round choices in exchange for the oft-hurt back.

It’s laughable to think Claypool would fetch that. If the Steelers are demanding such, perhaps it’s their way of saying they won’t trade Claypool.

Getting a solitary pick seems more reasonable, maybe a third-rounder.

Claypool is in the third season of his rookie contract. His cap hit is just $1.8 million this year, $2.1 million next year. If Claypool leaves via free agency following the 2023 campaign, the Steelers might get a compensatory pick.

It all adds up to not trading Claypool. Or should.

Unless they get a McCaffrey-style package.

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