There have been plenty of names thrown around in the trade deadline speculation regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's clear that the team is attempting to land an upgrade at the wide receiver position, and luckily for them, there is no shortage of names on the trade block.
It makes sense for Pittsburgh to try to find an upgrade after injuries and poor performances have decimated their roster at this point of the season.
Names like Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, Jauan Jennings, and Calvin Ridley have all been linked to the Steelers in trade chatter. Some of those options would certainly be seen as clearer upgrades than others on that list. Pittsburgh needs to find a receiver who could help make an immediate impact. It seems like one of those four names could be joining the Black and Gold before the trade deadline.
Pittsburgh Steelers should land one of these receivers before the trade deadline passes
Brian Thomas Jr.
Moving Brian Thomas Jr. seems to be a puzzling move by the Jaguars, especially with them being in contention in a competitive AFC this season. That being said, it's obvious that Thomas is starting to fall out of favor in Jacksonville. He has been a receiver on the trade block since this time last year, but this could be the moment when the rumors finally come to a head and a deal gets struck.
Unless the Jaguars are willing to let Thomas go at a reasonable trade cost, the Steelers should be cautious about overpaying.
Pittsburgh has been linked to the playmaker for a while now, and it makes sense to take a gamble on him. The biggest concern is the dip in production Thomas has dealt with since his breakout rookie campaign back in 2024. In his past 22 games following his rookie campaign, Thomas has only produced 824 yards and four touchdowns. All of those numbers are far less than his rookie outing.
Josh Downs
Another name hot on the trade boards leading up to the deadline is Josh Downs. The Colts should be holding a fire sale, and all indications show they will be moving pieces. Pittsburgh has remained connected to Downs in constant trade rumors. He is a quick and twitchy receiver who would go against the type of players they currently have at the position. He would provide some variety.
It would make sense for the Steelers to covet Downs, as the small route runner has routinely found ways to get open throughout his career. As Indianapolis sells off pieces, the Black and Gold should be able to take advantage of that seller's mindset. Bringing Downs into the building would provide them with a separator to enter the offense and hopefully help Aaron Rodgers out.
Calvin Ridley
There is a new legal issue that has popped up regarding Calvin Ridley, but initial reports from the Titans claim it is a minor issue. If that is the case, then they'll keep the veteran receiver on the trade block as the deadline approaches. Although he shouldn't be the top choice for the Steelers to consider, he has been constantly linked to them in the rumor mill.
He could be another dud at the deadline for them.
It's been three seasons since Calvin Ridley produced more than 1,000 yards in a single campaign. The 31-year-old receiver is starting to show signs of decline, and his best days seem behind him. Pittsburgh has routinely gone for names like him in the past, only for them to fail after the trade. Unless they want more of the same, this organization is probably better off just skipping him.
Jauan Jennings
He shouldn't be at the top of their trade target list either, but Jauan Jennings is someone the Steelers could be enticed to go after. The veteran receiver is struggling in Minnesota despite the Vikings having a solid start to their season. For one reason or another, Jennings just hasn't worked out in his purple digs, and that means Pittsburgh could probably land him for a cheap deal before the deadline.
The biggest issue with Jennings would be him being more of the same for the roster. Their receivers are already big guys who struggle to separate to a level of degree. This veteran would be that, plus a player who has struggled mightily to have an impact this season. The good news of trading for Jennings would be the hope he could return back to last season form, which was spectacular.
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