The trade deadline has passed, and speculation has already begun regarding the 2026 offseason for players who were frequently labeled “disgruntled,” but weren’t ultimately moved.
In a recent piece by Bleacher
Report’s Moe Moton, the Steelers were named a possible destination for two of those significant names.
The first is Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who has seemingly fallen out of favor in the desert. Veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett has started their last three contests, and although Murray is dinged, Arizona HC Jonathan Gannon refused to comment on his status moving forward as their starter.
“General manager Monti Ossenfort will need to make a crucial decision on Murray’s future in the offseason, and it could result in a blockbuster quarterback trade,” Moton writes. “Remember, the Cardinals current regime inherited Murray from the previous administration.”
This could make sense for the Steelers, given their need for an infusion of relative youth at the position, and the possibility they will be drafting too late to find their franchise quarterback is very realistic. They are projected to have at least ten picks in the 2026 draft, so if they aren’t able to pay for a significant draft leap, they’d still have the equity to pay up for someone like Murray, who has shown flashes of greatness in the past.
Moton projected the compensation as multiple future first-rounders, which is a bit steep, in my opinion.
The second big-time name on the block this deadline was Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
The Athletics’ Diana Russini reported that the Jags did field calls on Thomas Jr. – which is surprising, given that he’s coming off a Pro-Bowl campaign in his rookie season. Their trade for Jakobi Meyers could signal a potential shift in philosophy, if they were to re-sign the veteran wideout.
“Meyers is on an expiring deal, but if he’s highly productive in the second half of the season, the Jaguars may sign him to an extension, which would raise more questions about Thomas’ future with the team,” Moton writes. “Regardless of how the 2025 season ends for Thomas, he would draw several suitors because of his impressive first year in the league. Teams will be more than willing to trade a first rounder and more to feature him in the passing attack.”
His projected compensation is a 2026 first-rounder and future day 3 picks.
This is a deal I’d make in a heartbeat if I were the Steelers, quarterback-dependent. Thomas Jr. will be on his rookie deal for two more years, and paired with DK Metcalf, could create one of the top pass-catching duos in the game. In this scenario, the Steelers could chase another veteran quarterback if Aaron Rodgers does retire. Joe Flacco could be an option — and drafting a signal-caller in the second round or handing the reins over to Will Howard could also be in play.
Quarterback should absolutely be at the top of the Steelers’ wish-list heading into the draft. But if there isn’t a player they love when they pick in the 20’s, they can’t force it – much like they did with Kenny Pickett. Trading for Thomas Jr. would give them the best chance to compete in the interim, which they are always adamant on doing. For better, or for worse.
