The Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-2 heading into Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, but this team has some clear weaknesses that will probably need to be addressed over the next few weeks. Pittsburgh has already played the easiest part of its schedule, and the competition is only going to increase as the group gets further into the regular season. The franchise wants to stay on its current trajectory near the top of the AFC North, but that might be hard to do as the competition continues to increase. The team is one to watch around the trade deadline as the Steelers must consider some upgrades.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy talks with Steelers General Manager Omar Khan during a practice session at Saint Vincent College.
General Manager Omar Khan has to be poking around the league as the deadline grows closer. Arguably, the most obvious spot on the roster that the Steelers should make an addition is wide receiver. Both Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. are currently on Injured Reserve (IR), and it seems like Wilson will be able to return to the field as soon as he is eligible after Week 10. Pittman's injury could take a little longer, and there is even a chance that he might miss the remainder of the season if he does have to get surgery on his foot injury. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is working with limited weapons at wide receiver, and Khan may try to get him some more help.
Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo was on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning, and he spoke about the approaching deadline and what the Steelers might need to do. He also talked about how the team has been able to survive on offense with so many injuries at wide receiver.
"I definitely think Omar should be on the phone," Fittipaldo said. "Listen, they have major issues at receiver. The only reason they are getting by is because Aaron Rodgers is managing the game very well, they're getting guys to step up in certain moments, but there is a shelf life for this stuff. Eventually you're going to need receivers to push the ball down the field, especially if they are 6-2. Omar is probably going to have to try to make a move to get a number two or number three receiver in here to help out Aaron Rodgers."
Fittipaldo acknowledged that the team is playing well right now without Wilson and Pittman, but he stated that there is a shelf life for this. He likely means that once the competition increases, it is only going to get harder. The Steelers need a legitimate downfield threat that can create separation, which isn't really something the team currently has on the active roster.
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Steelers' Germie Bernard stands on the sideline prior to a road preseason game in 2026.
DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard have been carrying the load at wide receiver, but the lack of a downfield threat isn't the fault of either of them. They each just possess different skills, and they are the kind of receivers that are dangerous once they get the ball in their hands around the line of scrimmage and in the middle of the field. Khan should be going after wide receivers that can be effective in other areas.
Steelers Have A Perfect Trade Target
The Indianapolis Colts are currently going through a fire sale as the team has underperformed tremendously during the 2026 season. The franchise recently fired its general manager, and the organization has already made two trades. Wide receiver Josh Downs is thought to be available, and he is a good route runner that can get open downfield consistently. That is exactly what the Steelers need, it is just a question of how expensive he might be to acquire.
Downs has just one more year on his deal, and the Colts would probably receive a compensatory selection for him leaving in free agency after the season. It is fair to assume that he would slot somewhere in the third or fourth round, so Indianapolis might want at least a third round pick in exchange for Downs, which would be pretty hard to give up for Pittsburgh.
What do you think about the Steelers needing to pursue another wide receiver? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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