Pittsburgh acquired wide receiver Alex Van Dyke from the Jets…
Pittsburgh acquired wide receiver Alex Van Dyke from the Jets on March 25, 1999 for a sixth-round choice, No. 183, later used on Marc Megna. Van Dyke gave the Steelers an experienced receiving option, while New York converted a player it was ready to move into late draft capital. Neither return became a long-term difference-maker, but Pittsburgh received the slightly more direct roster value.
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Alex Van Dyke
New York Jets Received
- pick 1999 sixth round pick (#183- Marc Megna )
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
On March 25, 1999, Pittsburgh traded its sixth-round selection in that year's draft to the New York Jets for wide receiver Alex Van Dyke. The pick became No. 183, and New York used it on Marc Megna. This was a classic spring roster move: Pittsburgh preferred a known NFL receiver, while the Jets chose to convert that player into a late selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Pittsburgh acquired wide receiver Alex Van Dyke from the Jets on March 25, 1999 for a sixth-round choice, No. 183, later used on Marc Megna. Van Dyke gave the Steelers an experienced receiving option, while New York converted a player it was ready to move into late draft capital. Neither return became a long-term difference-maker, but Pittsburgh received the slightly more direct roster value.
New York Titans/Jets Return
The Jets sent Alex Van Dyke to Pittsburgh and received the Steelers' 1999 sixth-round pick, No. 183, which became Marc Megna. New York's logic was straightforward: recover a draft asset for a receiver leaving its plans. Megna did not turn the selection into meaningful Jets production, while Van Dyke at least provided Pittsburgh with a veteran option. That leaves the Steelers narrowly ahead in a low-stakes trade.
Value in Hindsight
Because neither side found a major contributor, the transaction should be graded on practical use and opportunity cost rather than star-level production. Pittsburgh surrendered only a sixth-rounder and received an experienced player who could enter the depth chart immediately. New York preserved flexibility through the draft, but the selected player did not create a meaningful advantage. The result remains close.
Final Verdict
Pittsburgh earns a C+ and the Jets a C. The Steelers paid a small price for immediate veteran depth, while New York's late-round return did not develop into enough value to reverse the comparison. It was a minor transaction, but the modest edge belongs to Pittsburgh because the acquired player provided the more tangible short-term benefit.