The Pittsburgh Steelers could have an opportunity to make a significant addition to their receiving corps before the NFL trade deadline, with Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. emerging as a name to watch. The former first-round pick has struggled to replicate his impressive rookie production, potentially creating an opening for a team looking to buy low on a talented young player.
Travis Register / Imagn Images
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. scores a touchdown in the 2025 NFL season against the New York Jets.
However, Pittsburgh is not the only team monitoring Thomas' situation. The Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders have also been connected to the Jacksonville receiver, creating the possibility of a bidding situation if the Jaguars become willing to negotiate.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the Steelers are among the teams expressing interest in Thomas.
"Currently the Chiefs, Steelers, and Commanders have interest… The problem is that their price tag doesn't reflect his current usage," Florio reported.
That interest does not necessarily mean Jacksonville is close to moving its young receiver. The Jaguars reportedly are not inclined to trade Thomas unless they receive a significant offer, which could make negotiations difficult for any interested team.
The biggest question is whether another organization is willing to meet Jacksonville's asking price based on Thomas' potential rather than his recent production.
Thomas was one of the NFL's most promising young receivers after recording 1,282 receiving yards during his rookie season in 2024. His production dropped to 707 yards in 2025, and his role has been much smaller this season. That decline has made his situation worth monitoring, especially for teams searching for a receiver who could benefit from a change of scenery.
For Pittsburgh, Thomas would represent a potentially high-upside addition. The Steelers are trying to make the most of their current opportunity with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, and another receiver capable of creating explosive plays could make the offense more difficult to defend.
Still, acquiring Thomas would require Pittsburgh to balance his long-term potential against Jacksonville's demands. The Steelers cannot afford to treat his rookie-season production as a guarantee that he will immediately return to that level.
There may be another option that makes more sense for Pittsburgh, particularly if the Jaguars refuse to lower their price.
Steelers Have Greater Interest in Josh Downs As Chiefs Eye Brian Thomas Jr.
While Thomas has attracted attention because of his potential, Florio's reporting suggests the Steelers may have a different receiver higher on their trade wish list, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
"The Steelers, we're told, have greater interest in Colts receiver Josh Downs. Downs however, is Kansas City's Plan B, if they can't get Thomas away from the Jaguars," Florio said.
That detail could be especially important as the deadline approaches. If Pittsburgh prefers Downs, it may have a clearer path toward pursuing a receiver who is already playing a meaningful role in an NFL offense rather than paying a premium for Thomas' upside.
Downs has established himself as a reliable receiving option in Indianapolis, with the ability to work underneath and create separation in the passing game. His skill set could complement DK Metcalf, giving Rodgers another target who can win on shorter routes and help keep drives moving.
Trevor Ruszkowski / Imagn Images
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) runs with the ball after a catch against the Houston Texans in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The contrast between the two receivers is worth considering. Thomas offers size and downfield potential, while Downs has built his game around quickness, route-running and finding openings against coverage. Pittsburgh would need to decide which skill set best addresses its offensive needs for the remainder of the season.
Florio's report indicates that Downs may be the more relevant name to follow in Pittsburgh. If the Steelers are more interested in him than Thomas, they may be less inclined to engage in a costly bidding war with Kansas City and Washington for the Jaguars receiver.
That does not rule out a move for Thomas. His ceiling remains appealing, and the Steelers could pursue him if Jacksonville's demands become more reasonable. However, a trade should be about more than a player's draft pedigree or past production. Pittsburgh needs to identify the receiver who can make the biggest immediate impact without compromising its future.
#SteelerNation