The Pittsburgh Steelers have felt like a team that is lacking offensive weapons for the last few seasons, really since the end of the Killer B's era. There were some exciting playmakers at the end of the 2010s and start of the 2020s, but the Steelers have not really had an abundance of talent on the offensive side of the ball in quite some time. The current group is probably the best looking one on paper in a while as DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. lead the way at wide receiver with a solid running back duo of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, but the Steelers could be looking to bring in some more talent.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field alongside General Manager Omar Khan as the two watch the team practice during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers and the other 31 organizations in the NFL are constantly thinking of roster moves that could be made to improve the team. That is the case throughout the offseasons, and it also happens during the year before the trade deadline creeps up. As of right now it is fair to think that the Steelers might be weak at a few different spots, and a trade could be pursued. Teams are always looking for more quality offensive line depth in this way, but the Steelers could have their eyes on adding another wide receiver.
Brian Thomas Jr. is a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who has been linked to trade rumors ever since he didn't follow up his Pro Bowl rookie year in 2024 with another impressive showing. He has regressed ever since the end of the 2024 season, and the Jaguars already have a ton of talent at wide receiver. The Steelers were named as a potential candidate to pursue Thomas by Alex Kay of Bleacher Report.
"Because of how fierce this AFC North race is shaping up to be, the Steelers can't afford to rest on their laurels and must add more firepower," Kay wrote. "Aaron Rodgers has looked far more like a 43-year-old gritting through his final NFL season than the perennial MVP candidate of yore, but bolstering his weapons could help change that. Brian Thomas Jr. could be the best bang for Pittsburgh's buck, providing them with a potential WR1 at a budget cost."
The Steelers and every other team in the AFC North are currently 2-1, and the division is looking like it will be tight once again. That means reinforcements might be needed, and adding a wide receiver like Thomas who could use a change of scenery might be a move to look at.
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Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. celebrates a big play against the New England Patriots in 2026.
Thomas finished his rookie season in 2024 with 87 catches for nearly 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. He only found the end zone twice in 2025 however, and through three games in 2026, he has caught just seven passes for 88 yards. The Jaguars have Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, and the team also drafted Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in 2025. Josh Cameron has also been getting involved, so it is fair to assume that the franchise could consider moving on from Thomas.
Steelers Could Get Brian Thomas Jr. For Cheap
Thomas is currently in his third season, and he is a former first-round pick. That means he is under contract through 2027, and if the Steelers were to acquire him the franchise would be able to decide to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2028 season. It is hard to say how much he would cost in a trade as he has shown that he can be a top receiver before, but he has not been that player in quite some time. It is also worth noting that his rookie season was played with a different head coach, play caller, and general manager running things.
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