Steelers Run Into Problem Trading For Colts' Josh Downs

The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting in perfect position in the AFC North following a Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. Now, the team has a bye and will look to rest up prior to a massive Sunday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the benefits of the break coming in Week 9 is Omar Khan having time to analyze the market prior to the November 10 trade deadline. All signs point to the front office going after a wide receiver who can help the offense become more dynamic down the stretch. There are several potential options.

The Steelers could have the opportunity to make a big splash, or simply add a depth piece with experience. Based on the recent play of DK Metcalf, the former is probably what Pittsburgh should be looking to do. It's hard to find an All-Pro talent this time of year, but acquiring the right pass-catcher for Mike McCarthy's system has to be on the minds of executives.

Aaron Rodgers will most likely also have a say in a personnel change. He is very picky about who he throws the ball to, so the quarterback's opinions will be taken into account to some degree. Does he think the offense needs a deep-ball threat to cancel out Metcalf's struggles? Or, does it make more sense to bring in a quick-twitch third-down weapon who can get open in a hurry?

Josh Downs continues to be someone who is brought up when it comes to the Steelers. The Indianapolis Colts appear to be in full fire sale mode, so anyone can be grabbed for the right price. Speaking of that, NFL insider Jordan Schultz appeared on Ryan Clark's The Pivot show on Monday, and gave some more details about what the AFC foe is looking for in a deal.

"Then you have Josh Downs," Schultz said. "Now, the Colts want a third-round pick for him, but I think ultimately, RC, they’ll probably get a fourth."

This is great news that the price for the wide receiver may already be dropping. There is, however, one problem for the Steelers. Indianapolis is heading for a rebuild in which it will want draft capital as soon as possible. Pittsburgh, though, does not possess a fourth-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. It was sent to the Dallas Cowboys in the Broderick Jones transaction back in August.

This fact didn't stop the insider from looping the Steelers into the Downs sweepstakes with two other organizations that are also looking to bolster their pass-catching weaponry.

"I would say keep an eye on the Steelers, Chiefs, and Commanders," Schultz noted.

It appears the Steelers may have to overpay with a third, or get creative when offering some other kind of package. It remains to be seen whether or not the Colts would take 2028 capital if they move the wideout.

Pittsburgh isn't going to make a trade just to say that it did. Reinforcements should soon be coming with offensive playmakers working their respective ways back from Injured Reserve (IR). Fans in the Steel City know this, too; just because the Steelers are rumored to be interested in someone doesn't mean that anything is going to transpire.

It can't be denied that Rodgers could absolutely use a little more help. With a record of 6-2, the locker room can already taste a January run. The final piece to the puzzle may not currently be on the roster. This is why Khan and Co. are going to have to weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision sooner rather than later.

Steelers Aren't Limited To Just Downs

Pittsburgh might be interested in the Indianapolis wideout, but others are going to possibly be out there for the taking. Brian Thomas Jr., Garrett Wilson, Jauan Jennings, Quentin Johnston and Calvin Ridley are all names to watch. With nine projected picks in 2027, Khan and the Steelers have some flexibility to go out and get someone. The question becomes, however, what are they willing to give up to get something done?

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