It is a wild situation in Pittsburgh, because even with the Steelers rocking a 6-2 record, their air attack is screaming for help. And listen, folks, when your seventh-highest paid wide receiver, DK Metcalf, is ranking 22nd in catches, 26th in yards, and a shocking 78th in yards per route run, clocking in at a meager 1.2, you know there is a problem. The trade deadline is Tuesday, and they have got to move.
A 6-2 Record Hiding a Problem
Yeah, the 6-2 record is impressive, especially when you consider they are doing it by leaning heavy on that run game and a killer defense. But come January, you need more than that to make a real run. They are already dealing with a serious problem at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson both stuck on IR. And then there is Metcalf. I mean, 7th highest paid in the league and he is putting up numbers like that? Yikes. That 1.2 yards per route run is just brutal, especially for a guy paid like he is an elite playmaker. The Steelers want to make a run in January, and right now, their passing game is a flat tire. Adding a receiver who can make their air attack a bit more dangerous could be what puts them over the top.
The Three Targets Pittsburgh Is Eyeing
So, who is Pittsburgh looking at? With just three days before the trade deadline, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler just dropped three names that are hot on the Steelers’ radar, along with other contenders like Kansas City and San Francisco. Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs are the big ones Fowler says could absolutely get moved. Thomas has been the talk of the town for a month now, falling down the totem pole behind Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers in Jacksonville. He is ripe for the picking.
Then there is Josh Downs. The Colts are in full fire-sale mode, shipping out big names like Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. If the Steelers land Downs, that would be their second Colts receiver this year after snagging Michael Pittman back in March. That is some serious wheeling and dealing! And for a backup option, Calvin Ridley is out there. He is only playing 53 percent of the Titans’ offensive snaps right now, way down from the 80-plus percent he saw just two seasons ago. Clearly, he is not a priority for them anymore.
Tuesday. That is the day. Pittsburgh is 6-2, but this receiving corps needs a shot in the arm if they want to truly make a deep run in January. This is not just about a temporary fix; it is about finding that missing piece that elevates their entire offense. Will they grab Thomas, Downs, or maybe surprise us with Ridley? We will know by Tuesday if the Steelers get the boost they desperately need to make some noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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