Steelers Target Wideout Add Before Nov. 10 Deadline
Pittsburgh holds sole first place in the AFC North but faces a thin receiving corps that may not survive the playoffs.
By Elena Perry ·
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold sole possession of first place in the AFC North with a 6-2 record. The team enters its bye week after a 2-2 start, relying on a defense that ranks third in the NFL for points allowed. Pittsburgh has not allowed a touchdown in seven quarters. The offensive line is stabilizing, and Jaylen Warren is having a breakout season. Aaron Rodgers continues to provide consistent throwing. Despite these strengths, the Steelers lack a reliable deep threat. Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman are injured. DK Metcalf is struggling. The team risks exposing this weakness in the postseason.
Pittsburgh has nine years without a playoff win. To improve its odds for a Super Bowl run, the front office should acquire a receiver before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10. Rookie Germie Bernard has provided some production. Tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth have contributed to the passing game. Backup running back Rico Dowdle has also helped. These players mask the issue for now. In the playoffs, the lack of weaponry at the wide receiver position will likely become apparent. The Steelers need to add a target before the window closes.
One option involves a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Steelers would receive Ladd McConkey and a 2027 fifth-round pick. In return, Pittsburgh would send Roman Wilson and a 2027 second-round pick. McConkey is a former 1,000-yard receiver on a rookie contract. He offers a young, affordable addition for the 2027 season. The Chargers might want Wilson as a replacement. He played under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. Giving up a second-round pick is a risk for Pittsburgh, which wants draft capital for a 2027 quarterback search. The fifth-round pick softens that cost.
A second possibility involves the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers would receive Brian Thomas Jr. and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Jacksonville would get a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Thomas is a former Pro Bowler who has sat on the bench for most of the 2026 season. He measures 6-foot-2 and weighs 209 pounds. He would serve as a red zone target for Rodgers. The Steelers would not have to give up Wilson. The main hurdle is that the teams will meet in Week 14. Jacksonville may prefer to keep him for a potential playoff matchup.
A third option is a deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers would receive Jerry Jeudy in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Jeudy is a former Pro Bowler who caught 90 passes for 1,229 yards two years ago. The Browns showed willingness to trade to division rivals when they sent Joe Flacco to Cincinnati last year. The teams are done playing each other this season unless they meet in the playoffs. Jeudy needs a new environment to revive his production.
A fourth trade candidate is Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers would send a 2027 third-round pick for Downs. This would strengthen Pittsburgh's receiving corps without surrendering current players. Downs is a proven slot receiver with 228 career receptions. The Colts are rebuilding and value draft picks. Downs enters free agency after this season, making him a rental. Other teams may bid on him, driving up the price. The Steelers would need to act quickly to secure him before the deadline.
