The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns with a winning record. Despite that, they have seen injuries start to mount, particularly on the defensive line and at wide receiver. They recently have been mentioned as a possible team to acquire Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has done a good job so far improving the offense in the Steel City. However, it has also been sluggish at times and struggled to get moving. A big reason behind those issues are from the team being without Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson running for a touchdown during a game against the Bengals in September 2026.
General Manager Omar Khan and the front office are considering all options, as several wide receivers around the league are available for possible trades. Thomas is just one of a few options Pittsburgh could look at acquiring, especially with Pittman's status on the rest of the 2026 NFL season being up in the air. Jacksonville has reduced his role in its offense recently, as it features Parker Washington as well as Jakobi Meyers the most.
On Saturday morning, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler joined ESPN to discuss all things NFL. During his appearance, he mentioned players that he strongly anticipates being moved before the league's trade deadline. The Jaguars' pass-catcher was mentioned once again as a name that he does expect to be moved. He did mention that the Kansas City Chiefs are interested, but also mentioned Pittsburgh when discussing Thomas.
“Yeah, you have teams in the receiver market like the Kansas City Chiefs that need one that I believe have multiple lines in the waters as far as receivers. The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking around," Fowler said. "The Jaguars have not totally committed to trading Brian Thomas right now, but he's in and out of the lineup and would welcome a [new] team most likely."
The former LSU Tigers wideout is in his third season in the NFL. Despite a great rookie campaign, he has had some issues with drops this year, while also seeing a big reduction in his role with Jacksonville. However, his rookie year showed that he has the potential to be an excellent wide receiver in the NFL. A trade and change of scenery could be exactly what him and the Jaguars' franchise needs with him being just 24 years old.
At 6'2", he is not one of the taller players at his position in the league, but he does have some height to him. He did see a drop off in production last year compared to his 2024, but not the type of one that he is experiencing so far this year. Through six games so far, he has just over 100 yards and a single touchdown for the Jaguars. It is clear that head coach Liam Coen and his staff do not see great value in the pass-catcher anymore.
Steelers Adding Wide Receiver Could Propel The Offense
The Steelers have seen a better offense so far this season in terms of production. However, their sluggish start to their Week 6 victory on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers almost cost them. They finally got things going and were able to come out on top, thanks to an overtime receiving touchdown from rookie Germie Bernard.
They followed that performance up in Week 7 by putting up just 16 points during their International game in Paris, France. The potential is in the offense, but the injures to Wilson and Pittman are starting to have an impact.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Germie Bernard scores the game-winning touchdown in overtime at Raymond James Stadium in 2026. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In Thomas' rookie season in 2024, he had 1,282 yards receiving as well as 10 touchdowns. Last year, the Steelers did not have a single 1,000-yard receiver. While he has had some issues with drops in 2026 and seen a reduction in his role in Jacksonville's offense, he has his age in his favor and still great upside to help an offense in need. Khan and the front office need help at the position and Thomas could be just the guy they need to propel the offense.
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