The Pittsburgh Steelers finally held on at the NFL trade deadline, but it might not be for lack of trying. By Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Steelers have had discussions about trading three receivers: Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr., Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley and Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs.
All three were widely rumored to be available, but it was reported early Tuesday that Thomas was staying in Jacksonville, while Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show reported that an airport incident involving Ridley caused the Steelers’ interest to decline. Downs was eventually traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks.
The Steelers don’t have a fourth-round pick in 2027 and were apparently unwilling to go higher in their pursuit of Downs. Given Ridley’s recent off-field issues and lack of production this season, it’s no surprise the Steelers didn’t pursue him further. Thomas, a 2024 first-round pick who burst onto the scene in his rookie year but has remained quiet over the past two seasons, likely would have been costly given the Jaguars’ 6-2 record and desire to compete this season.
Of those three, Downs has been the most productive this season and will help a struggling receiving corps in Kansas City. This year, Downs has 33 receptions for 354 yards and a touchdown. He will also be a free agent at the end of the year. If the Steelers had traded for Thomas, they would have had an extra year of team control, as his contract doesn’t expire until after the 2027 season, and Pittsburgh would also have had the choice to pick up his fifth-year option next offseason, although that would have been unlikely.
Thomas has 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns this season. Ridley, who is also signed next year, has no guaranteed money on his contract in 2027 and has just six receptions for 91 yards.
With Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. still on IR, the Steelers have at least explored adding to their receiver room. But both could be back soon, and the team seems to have enough confidence in DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard to get the job done for now. The Steelers apparently weren’t looking to give up much in the way of draft capital, and they’ll look to move forward with the group that took them to a 6-2 record.
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