The Pittsburgh Steelers' hopes of adding another playmaker at wide receiver may be contingent on what the Kansas City Chiefs want. Apparently, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid could have first dibs on two of the most intriguing names being discussed, and that does make some sense. However, it is still an alarming reality for Steelers general manager Omar Khan to navigate. That's after the latest update from NFL insider Mike Florio, who joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan making a crucial phone call during draft night, coordinating key decisions to shape the future of the franchise.
Pittsburgh has reason to explore every opportunity to improve its passing attack. The Steelers are 6-2, but DK Metcalf has not consistently been joined by another wide receiver who can change how defenses approach the offense. Josh Downs has emerged as a fascinating possibility, while Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. represents another potential target. The complication is that Pittsburgh isn't the only contender monitoring those names.
Florio offered an important update about Thomas and the teams showing interest in him. His reporting places Pittsburgh alongside Kansas City and Washington, which could make any potential pursuit more complicated. More importantly, Florio's explanation suggests the futures of Thomas and Downs could be connected in ways Steelers fans might not expect.
"I was told over the weekend that Brian Thomas Jr. is a guy drawing interest from the Steelers, Chiefs and Commanders," Florio said.
That is significant because Kansas City has an obvious incentive to give Mahomes another dangerous receiving weapon. Pittsburgh would love to strengthen Aaron Rodgers' options, but competing with the Chiefs for a receiver creates another layer of difficulty. The two franchises are trying to improve their offenses, and neither has much reason to make the other's job easier.
The more revealing part of Florio's report concerned Downs. Pittsburgh's pursuit might not simply depend on what the Indianapolis Colts are willing to accept. According to Florio's understanding, Kansas City's preference between the two receivers could influence whether Downs becomes available to the Steelers. That puts Khan in an uncomfortable position, potentially waiting for another AFC contender to make its choice.
"The way it was explained to me, Downs to the Steelers is tied up in this question of whether or not it's Thomas or Downs to the Chiefs," Florio said.
When asked whether Kansas City effectively had first dibs, Florio indicated that was how the situation had been explained to him. That is an important distinction because it doesn't confirm that the Chiefs have an exclusive agreement or that any trade has been finalized. Still, the implication is difficult to ignore. Pittsburgh could have legitimate interest in Downs and still find itself waiting on a rival's decision.
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.
There is a strategic problem here that goes beyond potentially losing one player. If Kansas City chooses Downs, Pittsburgh might have to pivot toward Thomas or another receiver. If the Chiefs favor Thomas, Downs could become a more realistic option. Either outcome could affect asking prices and how aggressively Khan is willing to negotiate.
Steelers Cannot Let Chiefs Dictate Their Entire Receiver Search
Khan's challenge is to improve Pittsburgh without allowing urgency to dictate the price. Downs could provide a dependable option in the shorter areas of the field, where Rodgers benefits from quick decisions and reliable separation. Thomas offers a different profile as a receiver capable of threatening defenses vertically. Both could help, but they wouldn't necessarily solve the same problem.
There is also a bigger question for Pittsburgh's front office. If the Steelers believe they are legitimate contenders at 6-2, how much should they allow Kansas City's plans to shape their own? Waiting can preserve negotiating flexibility, but it can also leave a team without its preferred option. Moving aggressively might secure a target, but only if the compensation makes sense.
Should the Pittsburgh Steelers wait to see what the Chiefs do with Josh Downs and Brian Thomas Jr., or should Omar Khan aggressively pursue his preferred target? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.
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