The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the rest of the NFL world, are at the 2026 Scouting Combine, getting to know the next group of players entering the NFL. However, that’s not the only thing on the agenda for the league. Every year, the Combine also provides teams the opportunity to meet in one place and talk business.
As a result, a trade has already been agreed to, and other rumors are spawning by the hour. The Steelers are at the center of one of those rumors, and it’s something fans can get behind. Pittsburgh radio host Andrew Filliipponi reported that the Steelers have been in talks with the Jacksonville Jaguars about a potential trade for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly exploring a trade for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas just finished his second season in the NFL, after playing like one of the league’s best wideouts as a rookie. However, in year two, the wide receiver took a step back, struggling with drops. Now, there’s an argument that Jacksonville should consider moving the talented receiver after his struggles.
While it would be foolish for the Jaguars to give up on Thomas after a sophomore slump — a year where he still caught 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns — it’d be great news for a Steelers team desperately in need of wide receiver help.
Pittsburgh’s lack of receiver production in 2025 made everything tough for the offense. It was clear that DK Metcalf, whom Pittsburgh traded for last offseason, was the only reliable receiver, and the Steelers can’t afford to have another year like that if they want to be successful. Adding Thomas would significantly transform Pittsburgh’s receiver room and elevate the entire offense.
The young wide receiver caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, making the Pro Bowl. While he regressed in his second season, it seems like a worthy gamble to bet that Thomas will start trending back up in year three.
If Brian Thomas Jr. is truly available for a trade, the Steelers should aggressively pursue him. However, it is important to note that this part of the NFL calendar is often called lying season, so it’s hard to know what rumors are true or not. While time will ultimately tell, Steelers fans can hope that this one is real.