As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for 13-straight games following their Week 5 bye, Omar Khan and company might be looking at potential trade targets to help the Steelers' push for an AFC North title. With the Steelers in prime position to make a run at the division crown, and several other teams around the league already shifting focus toward 2026, Pittsburgh could look to capitalize on those situations. One NFC South team in particular might be looking to part ways with a few key players, and the Steelers might have the opportunity to scoop one up.
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Omar Khan speaks to the media during a press conference.
The Steelers find themselves at home during their bye week in a very unique situation. With a 3-1 record, Pittsburgh has sole possession of the AFC North. The season is far from over, but given the current situation of the other three teams in the division, the Steelers have an opportunity to run away with the AFC North crown.
Although their play in the first four weeks has been impressive, there is still plenty to be desired, and a future trade might be able to land the Steelers a playmaker that could help them claim its first division championship since 2020.
On the other side, several NFL teams are struggling through the first month of the season. One team that has generated attention in trade rumors is the New Orleans Saints. Over the weekend, Nick Underhill reported on X that the Saints might be open to exploring trade possibilities with a number of their veteran players.
“There are teams interested in some of the Saints’ veteran players and they’ll be watching to see who becomes available in the coming weeks, league sources tell me. There’s a feeling around the league that New Orleans will be open to hearing offers in the coming weeks,” Underhill posted.
Among the Saints’ potential trade candidates are players who could immediately impact the Steelers’ roster is wide receiver Chris Olave. In his fifth season with New Orleans after being drafted 11th overall in 2022 out of Ohio State, he stands out as a potential addition. Olave was one of, if not, the best receiver in the country during his time in Columbus, and although his numbers with the Saints haven't been to that same elite status, he could still help elevate the Steelers' passing attack.
Pairing Olave with DK Metcalf in the Steelers’ receiving corps would give defenses two legitimate threats to account for on every snap, potentially opening up the passing game in ways Pittsburgh has not seen in years.
WGNO
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave extending to make a big play
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is also a potential trade target from New Orleans. Shaheed went undrafted out of Weber State, and has been known for his big-play capability during his time in the league. Shaheed is currently in his final year of his rookie contract, meaning the Saints might be more likely to trade him during the season if they don't have plans to re-sign him in the offseason.
On the defensive side, the Saints have several veterans who could also help the Steelers. Defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson could be candidates for trades. Jordan, a mainstay in New Orleans since 2011, remains a highly respected pass rusher at 36 years old and could be motivated to join a contender with Super Bowl aspirations. It remains unlikely that they would deal the loyal defender, but crazier things have happened.
Granderson, while not as accomplished as Jordan, has seven years of experience in New Orleans and could provide depth to Pittsburgh’s front seven. Adding either player would bolster the pass rush and give Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin more flexibility in rotational schemes.
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Cam Jordan plays for the New Orleans Saints
Steelers Have Plenty Of 2026 Draft Picks To Use In A Potential Trade
The Steelers have 12 total draft picks for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will ironically be hosted in the Steel City. Those picks are yet to be determined overall because of compensatory selections, but the fact of the matter is that Khan will have capital.
While it is unlikely that any of New Orleans' potential trade pieces would demand a first- or second-round selection, the Steelers have a plentiful array of third through sixth-round picks that could be leveraged in trade negotiations to acquire valuable talent.
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