Steelers Have Odd Route To Essentially Get Josh Downs For Free

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been snooping around the receiver market as the trade deadline approaches, as numerous reports have stated. General Manager Omar Khan is always looking for a quality player to add to the team without outright breaking the bank to do so. At this point, any sort of blockbuster deal does not appear to be an option for Pittsburgh. Any deal it makes will most likely be a cheap one that adds depth more than immediate help within the starting lineup. At 6-2, it may be best to not rock the boat. 

The Steelers weren't supposed to be in this position with lack of receiver depth, but injuries have completely derailed the position, as two of the current options are from the practice squad. The hope is that Roman Wilson can return as soon as possible, but there are a lot of concerns surrounding Michael Pittman Jr. and his evolving foot injury. Pittsburgh just needs able bodies with some ability to catch the ball.

The Steelers seem to be most interested in Josh Downs, and it could come with a sneaky strategy to keep draft capital, as it won't be very expensive to acquire him, according to a joint report from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.

"The Colts have told other teams that they already have received an offer of a fourth-round pick for wide receiver Josh Downs, who requested to be traded in the least year of his contract," the report read. "The Colts initially were asking for a third-round pick in return for Downs. But if they want, based on what they have told teams, a fourth-rounder is waiting for them."

While the Steelers' exact offer has not been made public, it's clear that it would be nothing more than a fourth-round pick. The expectation is that Downs would be a rental that would hit free agency at the end of the season. If Pittsburgh is giving up the reported trade compensation to acquire the Indianapolis Colts' star, it may be doing so with expectations of getting it right back.

Downs will likely have a quality market for his services in 2027, but nothing too crazy. If the Steelers trade for him, the hope is that they will get a compensatory pick back in 2028, which could end up also being a fourth-round pick. If all goes to plan, they will only have to slide down a few spots in that draft in exchange for the Colts' receiver. Even if Pittsburgh just gets a fifth-round comp pick, it would be worth the deal. 

The Steelers do not have a fourth-rounder in 2027, so offering one in 2028, to potentially get it right back, is a pretty solid approach. 

In this scenario, the Steelers would be hoping to get away with giving up a 2028 fourth-round pick so they can get it right back via the compensatory pick. Downs has expressed a desire to play for the Black and Gold, so it's not completely out of the realm of possibilities. The biggest question is if Pittsburgh and the Kansas City Chiefs are offering the same thing, which deal would the Colts take? 

Steelers' Role For Downs If They Trade For Him

For the first week or two, Downs would be the primary backup on the outside as he learns the Steelers' offense, so they don't have to keep bringing up multiple practice squad receivers every week. As players start to get healthy, there will likely be a lot of rotation as the returning guys ease back into the lineup as they get back to being 100% normal while preparing for a potential playoff run.

What do you think about the Steelers potentially trading a fourth-round pick for Downs in hopes that they get a similar selection back as a comp pick? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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