Trade rumors have been ramping up in recent weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially at wide receiver, where three targets have been tied to the Steel City brand of football more than any others.
From a talented wideout on an 0-6 team to a dynamic playmaker who's seen a massively reduced role in 2026, here's a look at three receivers who have been most linked to the Steelers as trade targets.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers
This one could take a miracle, but McConkey was linked to the Steelers via a trade report from NFL insider Jason La Canfora. It's safe to say that, barring a ludicrous comeback, the 0-6 Chargers are out of playoff contention in 2026. McConkey is still under contract through the 2027 season, and acquiring him from Los Angeles would likely cost a second-
or third-round pick, but he'd be an excellent weapon for Pittsburgh.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
This may be the most realistic trade option of the three, as the Steelers reportedly were interested in Downs and sent the Colts a trade offer. Downs would give Rodgers a reliable separator at receiver, but the Steelers face competition from the Kansas City Chiefs for his services.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Thomas has honestly been the Jaguars' fifth option on offense in 2026, behind wide receivers Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, running back Bayshul Tuten, and tight end Brenton Strange. Playing just 15 snaps in Week 6, Thomas is also on a two-game streak in which he has failed to haul in a single pass. A former first-rounder who had a terrific rookie season in 2024, Thomas may simply need a change in scenery, but the Steelers would likely have to pay a premium to bring him in.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers trade rumors: 3 wide receivers heavily linked to Pittsburgh
