The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that can be considered a "buyer" at the NFL's trade deadline. This is fairly similar to the deadline during the 2024 season when the team went out and acquired Mike Williams and Preston Smith. The Steelers have won enough games that the franchise has probably convinced itself that it can go on a real playoff run, and fixing any weaknesses or issues with depth is going to be something General Manager Omar Khan looks to do at the trade deadline between Week 9 and Week 10. There are a few areas of concern, including wide receiver.
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Chargers' Ladd McConkey looks on in celebration during a home game in Los Angeles.
Pittsburgh's wide receiver situation is currently in flux due to some injuries. Both Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. are on Injured Reserve (IR), and there seems to be a chance that Pittman could potentially miss the rest of the season if his foot injury continues to nag him. Surgery may even be on the table. Wilson should be able to return in a few weeks, but even once he does the wide receiver position would still have some room to improve. The Steelers have been mentioned along with a few names that may be available, including the likes of Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, DeVonta Smith, and Ladd McConkey.
Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning where he discussed the trade deadline. He was asked about the Steelers' chances of landing a player like McConkey while talking about the need for a receiver, and he doesn't seem too optimistic that the Steelers would be able to land the receiver.
"Yeah, I heard McConkey's name yesterday," Fittipaldo said. "You're going to be hearing all these teams that are going to be doing the fire sales right. Like the Eagles, what are the Eagles going to do? Like we know the Colts at this point. I think McConkey is a little bit too similar to some of the guys they have right now. If they were going to go after a guy, Brian Thomas Jr., who knows if the Eagles want to part ways with DeVonta Smith."
Fittipaldo doesn't believe the Steelers would pursue McConkey even if he were to be available due to how similar he is to some of the guys that are already on the roster in Pittsburgh. However, it is understandable why General Manger Joe Hortiz and the Los Angeles Chargers may consider moving on from him. The team is 0-6 in a season where they were supposed to be competing in the AFC West. McConkey probably doesn't fit the mold of what Pittsburgh needs, and he has also had some injury problems throughout the first three years of his career.
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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) catches a pass for 19 yards during the third quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Former Highmark Stadium.
McConkey has been a really good receiver ever since joining the Chargers after being drafted in the second round back in 2024. He only has 13 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown on the 2026 season, but he has only played in parts of five games. He has shown in the past that he can be very productive in the NFL. Against the Steelers in 2025 he caught four balls for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Steelers May Want To Look At Another Chargers Wide Receiver
McConkey may not be the player that the Steelers should go after according to Fittipaldo, but that doesn't mean the franchise shouldn't consider doing business with the Chargers. Quentin Johnston is another wide receiver that Los Angeles could consider moving on from, and he fits more of what the Steelers need. He is a downfield target that can create explosive plays. He has struggled so far in his career as drops have been an issue, but he may just need a change of scenery. Johnston is under contract through the 2027 season as the Chargers have already picked up his fifth-year option.
What do you think about the Steelers being advised not to trade for McConkey? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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