The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 going into Week 7, with a contest against the New Orleans Saints in Paris on the docket.
While they are focused on getting their third consecutive win, the Steelers are keeping tabs on other players around the league. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler revealed that the Jacksonville Jaguars could move Brian Thomas Jr. ahead of the trade deadline, and the Steelers were named as a team that may be interested.
While Fowler said, "Pittsburgh to some extent," Thomas Jr. is the kind of player you make a move for, especially since it wouldn't cost more than a fourth or fifth-rounder.
Brian Thomas Jr. rumors put the Pittsburgh Steelers in a fascinating spot
DK Metcalf is signed through 2029, but they have a potential out after 2027. His salary cap will continue to rise, with it listed at $38 million in 2027, $39 million in 2028, and $47 million in 2029.
The Steelers aren't looking to move on from Metcalf, but this is some nice context. Metcalf has been the go-to in Pittsburgh's offense, leading the team in targets (52), catches (30), and receiving yards (318). They are funneling their passing game through him, and injuries have played a role in that.
Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are both on IR, leading to the emergence of rookie Germie Bernard. Having their second-round rookie stand out is great for the future, yet the Steelers could certainly use another playmaker, and Thomas Jr. would be exactly that.
He's seemingly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff in Jacksonville. Thomas Jr. hasn't been featured much and played a season-low 15 snaps in Week 6, including none in the second half. This season, he has logged nine catches for 105 receiving yards and a score.
Despite that slow start that he's had, he's the kind of player the Steelers should take a chance on.
Brian Thomas Jr.'s lackluster start shouldn't turn the Steelers away
For some reason, Thomas Jr. isn't fully meshing in Liam Coen's offense. Even last year, things looked off. He had 48 grabs for 707 yards and two scores. Parker Washington took over as WR1, but the talent is there with Thomas Jr.
As a rookie, he burst onto the scene. In 17 games, Thomas Jr. compiled 87 catches for 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Doing that in your first year isn't an easy feat and shows he can be highly productive in the right situation.
Not only is his talent evident, but he would be a cost-controlled option. He's on the books for 2027 at just $4.6 million, per Spotrac. Since he was a first-round pick, he also has a club option for 2028.
There's a pathway for him to be a cost-effective option over the next two years, while adding more speed and explosion to the passing attack.
Trading for Thomas Jr. would help the Steelers in 2026 while also giving this team another weapon for whatever quarterback takes over when Aaron Rodgers retires. Thomas Jr. is a talented player; there's no denying that. It just looks like things in Jacksonville have hit the fan, and Pittsburgh would be wise to inquire about him.
The thought of having Metcalf, Bernard, Thomas Jr., Wilson, and Pittman in the fold at receiver shouldn't be overlooked. That room has already been slammed with injuries, and with Wilson having just one year left on his rookie deal, landing Thomas Jr. would give them flexibility
not only for 2026, but beyond this season.
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