Steelers Get Brutal News On Ladd McConkey Trade Pursuit

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have to cross another wide receiver off of their trade deadline wish list. With the November 10 deadline approaching, Pittsburgh has been connected to several potential additions, but one of the more exciting names appears to be staying put.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey would make plenty of sense for the Steelers. His ability to create separation, work out of the slot and give Aaron Rodgers another dependable option would address an important need in Pittsburgh's passing game. Unfortunately, the Chargers have little interest in making him available.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles has already turned away calls from rival general managers about some of its most important players.

“Los Angeles also doesn't like the message of giving up on the season. Calls from rival general managers on Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey and others have received hard nos,” Schefter and Fowler reported.

That is a pretty clear indication that Pittsburgh should not expect McConkey to become a realistic trade option. Even with the Chargers having a disappointing season, the organization does not want to send a message that it is giving up on its current roster. McConkey is part of its long-term plans, and it would take a significant change in direction for Los Angeles to reconsider.

For the Steelers, that means focusing on receivers whose teams may actually be willing to negotiate. Fortunately, there are still several options that could make sense before the deadline. The Steelers do, however, have other trade targets.

Josh Downs, Calvin Ridley and Brian Thomas Jr. are three names Pittsburgh could realistically continue exploring as it looks to upgrade the receiver room.

Downs might be the most immediate possibility. The Indianapolis Colts receiver has reportedly drawn interest from both the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, with Indianapolis receiving offers involving a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Downs would give Rodgers another legitimate slot option. He is a quick, technically sound route runner who can create separation underneath and help keep the offense moving. Pittsburgh would not necessarily need him to become its top receiver, either. His ability to work alongside DK Metcalf could make the passing game more difficult to defend.

Calvin Ridley is another veteran option worth watching. The Tennessee Titans receiver has experience as a primary target and could give Pittsburgh another outside threat. While his production and consistency have been concerns, he has the experience and ability to make plays downfield. 

The Steelers would have to determine whether his current situation and potential asking price make sense, but he remains a name worth monitoring.

Then there is Brian Thomas Jr., arguably the most intriguing option because of his upside. The Jacksonville Jaguars receiver has already shown the ability to make explosive plays, and his talent would give Rodgers another weapon capable of stretching the field. Mike Florio previously reported that the Steelers, Chiefs and Washington Commanders had interest in Thomas, although Jacksonville was not inclined to move him without a significant offer.

That asking price could be the biggest obstacle. Thomas has the potential to be a major long-term piece for whichever team acquires him, so the Jaguars have little reason to accept a low offer. Pittsburgh would need to decide how much draft capital it is willing to surrender for a receiver who could become a major part of its offense.

Each of these three players presents a different opportunity. Downs offers the slot production Pittsburgh could use immediately, Ridley brings veteran experience and outside receiving ability, while Thomas provides the highest upside of the group.

The McConkey reporting is still important because it removes one of the more appealing possibilities from the conversation. Pittsburgh cannot waste valuable time waiting for Los Angeles to change its position when other teams are actively discussing potential deals.

Steelers Front Office Has A Big Decision To Make

Omar Khan now has to determine which available receiver is worth pursuing and what the Steelers are willing to give up to get him. With the trade deadline getting closer, the focus should be on players whose teams are actually open to making a deal.

McConkey would have been an exciting addition, but Pittsburgh still has alternatives. Downs, Ridley and Thomas give the Steelers three different paths toward improving the offense, and at least one of those names could become the priority as the deadline approaches.

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