Steelers Likely Have Their Eyes On A Slew Of Former First-Round Picks On The Trade Market

The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to come into form now that the first five weeks of the 2026 season are done with. The team is 3-2, and the AFC North is still fairly close and it seems like it could be anyone's division, but the Baltimore Ravens currently sit at the top with a 4-1 record. The fan base is getting a better understanding of what this team might be able to accomplish in 2026, and those inside the building are starting to realize what more the team needs to actually compete. There are a few positions to worry about, and the Steelers should keep an eye out for potential additions.

The questionable areas of the current roster in Pittsburgh are the secondary and the receiving corps. Both areas are beat up by injuries, but the secondary should be getting some help soon as both Jamel Dean and DeShon Elliott should be close to returning to the field. Wide receiver is a different story. Michael Pittman Jr. is going to be out for at least the next three games after being placed on Injured Reserve (IR) before Week 5, and both Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are expected to miss some time after suffering injuries against the Indianapolis Colts.

Wide receiver seems like the spot the Steelers would be most likely to make a move, which has been the case for the past few years. There are some intriguing names across the NFL that may be available, with some of the more expensive ones being Brian Thomas Jr. and Quentin Johnston. Thomas has been mentioned as a trade candidate in the past, but Johnston is a new name to consider after ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned him in a recent article.

"What about Quentin Johnston?" Fowler asked. "The Chargers' wideout has come up in a few of my recent conversations. The Bolts were firm in the offseason that they wouldn't deal him, but now that Los Angeles is sitting at 0-5, perhaps the timing is right."

Johnston was the Los Angeles Chargers' first-round pick back during the 2023 NFL Draft, and he hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that were set for him. Thomas would certainly be a more expensive trade for the Steelers, but Johnston is a name to watch as well as the Chargers are in a tough spot after still not having a win on the year.

There are other wide receivers that the Steelers could make moves for that aren't on their rookie contracts still. This includes players like Rashod Bateman and Jerry Jeudy, who were both mentioned by Fowler in his recent article. They may be available, but a trade to Pittsburgh seems unlikely since they are both in the AFC North. Outside of Thomas and Johnston, the most likely target for Pittsburgh might be Jauan Jennings of the Minnesota Vikings. He was also mentioned by Fowler.

"Also, Jauan Jennings is the forgotten man in Minnesota's passing attack," Fowler wrote. "He would fit well with any Shanahan-style scheme, which is much of the league now."

Jennings became a notable player during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, and there has been some talk that he could be heading back to northern California as San Francisco has a hole to fill at receiver as well. He spent six seasons with the 49ers, and he signed a one-year deal with Minnesota during the 2026 offseason, but he has not been used much with the Vikings. He has just two receptions for nine yards on the year.

Steelers Could Sit Still At Receiver

There is always the chance that the Steelers won't look to make a move at wide receiver. Germie Bernard stepped up in a big way after Wilson went down in Week 5, and the team has confidence in Brandon Smith who will be elevated on game day. Kaden Wetjen is another name to consider.

What do you think about the Steelers trading for any of the names mentioned by Fowler? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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