The Pittsburgh Steelers are leading the AFC North with a 6-2 record entering their Week 9 bye, and suddenly the back half of their schedule looks far less daunting. At this rate, hopes of earning the top seed and lone first-round bye aren't completely unrealistic for McCarthy's team.
But this is an ever-fleeting window with the soon-to-be 43-year-old quarterback, and the last thing general manager Omar Khan can do is sit on his hands as the NFL trade deadline passes.
The Steelers' biggest need as the November 10 deadline approaches is obviously at wide receiver. But Khan shouldn't be opposed to turning down anyone who can be part of the cause. And while Pittsburgh won't be in the business of selling, there are two players they could consider shipping off, under the right circumstances.
Players the Pittsburgh Steelers should trade for
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers
This is a player I've written about several times, as the fit is just too clear to ignore. Ladd McConkey is a quick and twitchy receiver who can run a full route tree and create separation in and out of his breaks. He's exactly the type of receiver the Steelers are lacking.
The issue with McConkey is his extensive history of nagging injuries, most recently some broken ribs that have put him on a snap count. Still, with the Los Angeles Chargers sitting at the bottom of the league at 0-7, they could be open to trading their top receiver—especially if the plan is to clean house.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Commanders
Despite sitting on a disappointing 2-4-1 record as the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Washington Commanders may not be willing to sell. They've got a head coach, Dan Quinn, in the hot seat and are surprisingly in the hunt to win their division, with the Eagles and Cowboys struggling worse than anyone anticipated.
Regardless, the Steelers should poke around and see if Stefon Diggs might be up for grabs. With the legal issues behind him, Diggs would be a well-rounded receiver and a go-to option for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game.
Diggs will turn 33 shortly after the trade deadline, but he's on a cheap one-year deal and would give the Steelers a boost the rest of the way.
Riq Woolen, CB, Eagles
Here's a non-receiver the Steelers should consider trading for. Riq Woolen is one year removed from a Super Bowl campaign with the Seattle Seahawks and finds himself on an Eagles team that is devoid of hope. With Philadelphia likely selling at the deadline, Woolen could be an option.
The Steelers' cornerbacks have played well since getting picked on by Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. But they could struggle again when they face better competition. Woolen would offer depth and security at cornerback and could steal work from Asante Samuel Jr. or Daylen Everette if they struggle.
Josh Downs, WR, Colts
Steelers trade buzz surrounding Josh Downs has been swirling for weeks now, and it's not hard to understand why. Not only is Pittsburgh desperate for a boost at wide receiver, but the Colts seem to be having a fire sale. They've already sent two of their best players—All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner—to NFC West contenders.
Downs could be next on the move, and the Steelers should at least be intrigued. Though Downs' presence wouldn't move the needle as much as a player like McConkey, this could be the perfect gamble where the cost doesn't outweigh the risk.
The Colts were reportedly asking for a third-rounder for Downs, but knowing he's a free agent after the season, Indianapolis would likely settle for less. Downs is undersized (5'9'', 171 pounds), but he can get open from the slot and beat man coverage with ease.
Players the Steelers should trade away
Mason Rudolph, QB
Because they are winning football games, Omar Khan won't have interest in trading players away. But there are two names that make at least some level of sense (under the right circumstances). Mason Rudolph is a quality backup, but there are a few quarterback-needy teams out there right now that might be willing to overpay for his services.
Rudolph has an expiring contract after the season, and it's likely that the Steelers will never need to call on him this season. Instead of letting him walk away for nothing, Khan can get a draft pick for him now.
And let's be honest: if Aaron Rodgers isn't healthy enough to play in the playoffs, this team probably isn't going anywhere with a backup quarterback. If Rodgers were to go down for the season, most fans would just as well see Will Howard or even rookie Drew Allar take the field for some much-needed experience.
DK Metcalf, WR
Admittedly, trading DK Metcalf doesn't make sense unless the Steelers are getting a quality wide receiver at the trade deadline. If they do, this might be the perfect time to unload a downright disappointing player on a bad contract (assuming there's a team out there willing to take him).
If you prorate Metcalf's first eight games over a 17-game season, he's on track to earn just over 800 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 136 targets (5.9 yards per target). Mecalf is a No. 2 wide receiver at best, but he's simply not a good fit with Rodgers in Mike McCarthy's offense.
If the Steelers were to pull off a trade for a true go-to weapon, Metcalf would become expendable. And with the way he's played this season, he's not far from being expendable right now.
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