The Pittsburgh Steelers traded to acquire wide receiver DK Metcalf ahead of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks went on to win the Super Bowl, and Metcalf finished his first season in Pittsburgh with just 59 catches for 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It wasn’t a bad year for Metcalf, but it was the lowest-producing season of his otherwise impressive career.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers made the trade for Metcalf, but then shipped wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens quickly became one of the top receivers in the NFL, leaving Pittsburgh still searching for a reliable wideout to complement Metcalf. The team has Roman Wilson, but many remain uncertain about his potential after barely being used in his first two seasons.
With Calvin Austin III’s future uncertain as he enters free agency, speculation is growing that General Manager Omar Khan could be ready to make another move. One exciting young option emerged on Wednesday when Carlos A. Lopez reported that Dan Graziano says teams are monitoring the availability of Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
.@DanGrazianoESPN says there are teams monitoring the availability of Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. — the #Patriots, Bills, Steelers, and Raiders are listed as potential fits.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 25, 2026
Graziano notes that there has been no indication Thomas is available, but he’s worth keeping an eye on. pic.twitter.com/82rGnCMw9t
The New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders are listed as potential fits. Graziano made it clear that the Jaguars haven’t confirmed or denied whether the 23-year-old wide receiver is available. Thomas burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie with the Jaguars, catching 87 passes for 1,282 receiving yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.
Phelan M. Ebenhack / AP Photo
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. runs in front of New York Jets cornerback Kendall Sheffield during the first half of an NFL game in 2024.
Many expected him to follow that up with another outstanding season in 2025, but in his second year, he regressed slightly as the Jaguars added depth at wide receiver. Still just 23 and already proving he can be productive, Thomas’ trade market would definitely excite the Steelers and their fan base.
It remains unclear whether the Jaguars would even trade Thomas or what they might want in return. After just two seasons, he still has two years left on his rookie deal before a potential big payday. The Jaguars may see this as the best time to move him, or they may view him as part of their long-term plans. Either way, it is interesting to hear that teams are checking in on Thomas, and it is safe to assume that Khan is among them.
Steelers' Quarterback Situation Remains A Tad Bit Murky
Another factor the Steelers need to consider is the quarterback situation. Aaron Rodgers seems open to returning, and the team would welcome him back, but no one truly knows his plans. That would leave Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to battle for the backup job. If Rodgers does not return, the Steelers will need to adjust their plans quickly.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
If Rodgers does return for the 2026 season with Mike McCarthy now at the helm, adding another capable wide receiver becomes pivotal. The Steelers need someone who can complement whoever is the top wideout, something they have struggled to do since Pickens was in town.
Trading for Thomas, if possible, would give Metcalf and Rodgers the perfect running mate thanks to his elite speed and ability to stretch the field vertically. This is exactly the type of addition the Steelers desperately need.
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