The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t make a move ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline, but in news that should sound familiar to most fans, the team did appear to be doing its due diligence.
According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, the Steelers had “discussions about a trade” about one of three wide receivers: the Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr., the Colts’ Josh Downs, and the Titans’ Calvin Ridley.
Downs, of course, was one of the players traded the day of the deadline, heading from Indianapolis to Kansas City with a seventh-round pick for fourth- and fifth-round selections, all in 2027. It’s worth noting the Steelers do not have a fourth-round pick in 2027.
Thomas was ultimately not moved by Jacksonville, the league’s biggest buyer at the deadline, despite several months of trade rumors.
Steelers beat writer Mike Kaboly reported that the Steelers were interested in Ridley, but were “soured” by the Titans wide receiver’s recent reported “incident” at Nashville International Airport.
“Discussions about a trade” can mean a number of things. It’s unclear just how interested the Steelers were in adding to their wide receiver room during the season.
However, Pittsburgh could be getting a reinforcement soon in Michael Pittman Jr., who Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said was “getting close” to a return when talking to media on Monday.
