The 2026 trade deadline is still over a week away, but the Pittsburgh Steelers and rest of the NFL have already seen plenty of action. Super Bowl contenders are not shying away from making splash moves, and it could be hard to keep up. General Manager Omar Khan has draft capital at his disposal, so it will be interesting to see if he wants to get involved in the buying party. Reports have been mixed on if the front office in the Steel City will get aggressive or not. However, a lot could depend on how healthy the group looks following a Week 8 contest.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field surface and points off into the distance as the team participates in a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
This time of year can be confusing for some franchises. It's hard to determine whether selling off and preparing for the future is better than going for it all. There are also simple trades that can be made to give any given roster the depth that it needs to be safe and sound. The Steelers might be debating everything, particularly because they have a 42-year-old quarterback who will not be around in 2027 and beyond.
Pittsburgh has been hammered with injuries at the wide receiver position. The two biggest Injured Reserve (IR) designations on the offensive side of the ball are the ones currently assigned to Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson. Behind the scenes, the decision-makers probably have a good idea of when these two could return. Movement as the deadline nears will help fans get a better idea of what their respective timelines look like.
There are some big names to be had potentially. Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, Jauan Jennings and Chris Godwin Jr. could all be on the mind of Khan. One recent report suggests that the Steelers are actively making calls trying to figure out if acquiring a pass-catcher might be worth it. That means that Pittsburgh could be buying.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer confirmed this on Friday morning. The insider was going over some of what he has heard from sources, and a wideout is clearly on the mind of those in the Steel City.
"As for the buyers, the Chiefs and Steelers have asked around on receivers," Breer wrote.
This isn't the first time that the Kansas City Chiefs and Steelers have been mentioned in the same sentence. It appears as if both organizations are looking to bring in another weapon for their Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Overall, general managers for the two franchises are going to have to decide how much they are willing to give up for a potential difference-maker in the passing game.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @: JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
There will be a plethora of reports that come out as the Week 10 trade deadline looms. The good news for the Steelers is that they could hypothetically make a move during the Week 9 bye and give a newcomer plenty of time to adjust. It's a rare advantage that is not really relevant for any other contender. The Tennessee Titans are the only team that shares the same break.
This gives Khan a bit of an edge. He can work the phones and the coaching staff can determine who may be a good fit. Then, someone who is acquired can take some time to view the playbook and mesh with Aaron Rodgers. All signs are pointing to Pittsburgh making a move, but it won't force something if the right guy isn't available at the right price. The four-time MVP signal-caller could ask the front office to get bold, especially because this will be his last chance at a second Lombardi Trophy.
Steelers Have Some 2028 Capital To Work With As Well
Pittsburgh acquired a 2028 second-rounder when Joey Porter Jr. was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys. There is no guarantee that Khan even wants to offer that in any kind of package; however, it will be nice to have if more is needed during negotiations. Again, the deal would have to likely benefit the Steelers now, and in the future, so it's anyone's guess as to what leadership will do.
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