Steelers' Brian Thomas Jr Trade Buzz Raises An Uncomfortable Question About DK Metcalf

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to one of the more intriguing names on the receiver market, and the temptation isn't difficult to understand. Young, explosive and coming off a season that made defensive coordinators miserable, he looks like the sort of player worth a phone call. However, a Pittsburgh reporter sees a flaw hiding beneath the highlight reel. The better answer, he believes, might be a considerably less glamorous name.

Steelers reporter Nick Farabaugh prefers Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts over Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential Steelers trade target. His objection to Thomas isn't talent. It's that Pittsburgh already employs DK Metcalf, and Farabaugh sees too much overlap between the two outside receivers to make Thomas his first choice.

The timing makes the argument relevant. Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson remain on injured reserve, leaving Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard shouldering a larger workload. Pittsburgh is 5-2, with the November 10 trade deadline approaching. Finding somebody who catches passes would help. Finding somebody who changes how defenses have to cover the entire offense would help more.

During a recent Steelers discussion, Farabaugh outlined why Downs checks his boxes.

“I look at someone like Josh Downs from Indianapolis as kind of the perfect fit for that. Great route runner, can play the slot, can stretch all three levels. He's a rental, so you probably won't have to pay a ton to get him. And if you really like him so much, you can extend. I think that's the kind of beauty of a guy like that. So that would be like the guy I would look for. Josh Downs from Indianapolis,” Farabaugh said.

Downs has 26 receptions for 307 yards through seven games in 2026, and his résumé includes a 72-catch, 803-yard season in 2024. He works primarily from the slot, where quick releases, change of direction and an understanding of leverage can beat tight coverage before the quarterback's protection breaks down. That's the type of option Pittsburgh has lacked while asking Bernard to handle quick throws and create yards after the catch.

Acquiring Downs could let the rookie move around more freely. Instead of assigning Bernard the same underneath responsibilities because nobody else fits them, the Steelers could challenge defenders with different route combinations. Metcalf could threaten the boundary, Downs could attack the middle, and Bernard could be used wherever the matchup makes the most sense. That would give Aaron Rodgers more answers than another oversized target running outside routes.

There is a financial wrinkle Farabaugh likes, too. Downs is in the final year of the rookie contract he signed after Indianapolis drafted him in 2023, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2027. Pittsburgh could acquire him without inheriting years of committed salary. But an expiring contract doesn't guarantee a bargain in draft compensation, and any extension for a productive 25-year-old could become expensive. His rental status is flexibility, not a discount coupon.

Farabaugh was considerably less enthusiastic about the bigger name dominating Pittsburgh's trade chatter.

“I know everyone's talking about Brian Thomas Jr. Too much overlap in skills with DK Metcalf for my liking there. They play the same position at X. He's not really a versatile player in terms of that and DK's not either. And so DK kind of has that role already. And so unless he got hurt, I'd probably be against that more so than Josh Downs, which is where I kind of lean,” Farabaugh said.

Thomas earned his reputation. Jacksonville's 2024 first-round pick opened his career with 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The trouble is what followed. He's managed just nine receptions for 105 yards and one score in six games this season, and his playing time shrank to 15 first-half snaps against Houston. Pittsburgh has a legitimate reason to monitor the situation, especially after questions emerged about his future.

Farabaugh's fit argument has merit, though it isn't proof two outside receivers cannot coexist. Coaches can move their targets, change formations and force defenses to respect vertical threats on both sides. Thomas also offers greater long-term control, with another contracted season after 2026 and a potential fifth-year option. Pittsburgh would be buying talent with upside. It might also be paying a premium for a role Metcalf already occupies.

Omar Khan has more to consider than whether he prefers a slot receiver or a former Pro Bowler. Indianapolis is 2-5, has changed general managers and could listen to offers for players on expiring deals. Jacksonville hasn't confirmed Thomas is available. Neither situation establishes that Pittsburgh has submitted an offer, much less negotiated a price.

Steelers Should Shop For A Job, Not A Headline

My preference is Downs if the compensation is reasonable. Metcalf doesn't need a younger version of himself standing on the other side just because the name would light up social media. Pittsburgh needs a receiver who can punish man coverage, win on time and free Bernard from spending so many snaps plugging holes in an injury-thinned lineup. Downs addresses that need more directly.

Thomas could still be a terrific acquisition at the right price, particularly if the Steelers view him as a long-term building block. But the best player on the hypothetical trade board isn't automatically the best purchase. Pittsburgh already has an expensive outside receiver and a rookie learning several jobs at once. Adding the right skill set would give both more room to work.

The trade deadline is approaching, and Khan has a choice between chasing the exciting name and addressing the specific weakness. Farabaugh's argument gives Pittsburgh a reason to ask a less flashy question first: what can a new receiver do that the guys already here cannot?

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