The rumor mill has been active for the Pittsburgh Steelers as we get closer to November 10th. The week before the trade deadline is a bye week for the team, so they have a very limited time to judge the players currently on the roster and figure out what needs to be upgraded. There have been plenty of names being tossed around with reports that they are heavily interested in players like Brian Thomas Jr. Either way, General Manager Omar Khan will not let the deadline pass without getting into some serious negotiations.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan intently making a crucial phone call during the NFL Draft.
Even with all the names being linked to Pittsburgh, Khan will sometimes drop a few surprises, especially if he believes he can get someone at a bargain price. He is always looking for improvements all over the team, much to the chagrin of some of his colleagues. Whenever a player becomes available on the trade block, it's safe to assume that the general manager is at least doing his due diligence.
1: Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
The Steelers have been involved in trade talks involving numerous big-name receivers, but what they really need is another solid route runner so Germie Bernard isn't the only one, and it would help to have another option in the slot like veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Between his age, status as a rental, and the fact that the Indianapolis Colts are expected to have a fire sale, Pittsburgh can get him for cheap.
Even at 34 years old, Allen has still been a very consistent receiver. In his five games with the Colts so far, he has racked up at least five receptions in all but one game. His intelligent play and knack for getting open would quickly make him one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets while also helping to open more looks for DK Metcalf and the others whenever they get healthy.
2: Dalvin Tomlinson, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of fire sales, the Los Angeles Chargers have been awful all season long, and they will have quite a few options for Pittsburgh to acquire. One of them would be Dalvin Tomlinson, and he would also be a very cheap acquisition. Like with the receivers, the defensive line depth is starting to get thin with two key players going on Injured Reserve (IR), so it would be helpful to get some stable depth there.
Tomlinson has played in every interior defensive line position throughout his career while working in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, which would make him an attractive target for the Steelers. He would just be a backup if Khan trades for him, but with the growth of the starters as well as the young backups getting some reps, a depth piece is all that Pittsburgh really need on that front.
Steelers Could Solidify Safety Position With Young, Underrated Player
3: Dane Belton, Safety, New York Jets
Safety Dane Belton is having a career year with the New York Jets. The 25-year-old has allowed just a 42.1% completion percentage while missing only one tackle while playing all of the defensive snaps through six games. He already has three passes defended on the season to go along with 47 tackles. Even with DeShon Elliott getting healthy again, Khan can never have too many quality defensive backs.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers have a lot of talent at the position, but among injuries, age, and at least half of them likely leaving after 2026, they need long-term stability at the position. Belton will be 26 in 2027, so while he is currently on a one-year deal, Pittsburgh could definitely grab him and sign him to a long-term deal if he continues to play well. Even Khan can't trade for him, Belton will likely be a target for him in free agency.
What do you think about the Steelers' trade targets that no one else is talking about? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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