Steelers Trading For Josh Downs Faces 1 Massive Mike McCarthy Hurdle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have heard plenty of suggestions about how to improve their passing attack before the trade deadline. Adding another wide receiver sounds simple enough, especially when a potential target wants a change of scenery. However, finding someone who fits what the coaching staff wants to do involves more than checking his availability. Pittsburgh could have a much different opinion of a popular name than those hoping to see general manager Omar Khan make a move.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has remained part of that conversation. His trade request helped fuel speculation about where he might land, and the Steelers have received plenty of attention as a possible destination. A young pass-catcher who could give Aaron Rodgers another option would certainly interest a portion of the fan base.

That does not mean Head Coach Mike McCarthy views Downs as the missing piece. There are several things to consider before acquiring someone halfway through a season, including how he would complement the players already in Pittsburgh. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, one particular issue could explain why the Steelers would look elsewhere.

In an article on the publication’s website, Dulac pointed to a noticeable difference between Downs and the receivers McCarthy prefers.

“One player who has been linked to the Steelers is Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, who has a base salary of $3.9 million in 2026, the final year of a four-year contract,” Dulac wrote. “But, at 5 feet 9 and 171 pounds, Downs does not appear to be the type of receiver Mike McCarthy appears to favor.

Following up on that, the insider made it pretty clear that the size of the current positional group and Downs don't go well together.

“The Steelers coach prefers big receivers who are built to play in the cold-weather climates in the northeast. Four of his top five are at least 6 foot 1 and 210 pounds. Downs is much smaller,” Dulac noted.

That is a considerable difference, and it gives some insight into how Pittsburgh could approach its search. Fans can look at a receiver’s production and decide he would help. McCarthy has to determine where that player would line up, whose opportunities he would take and whether his skill set addresses the offense’s biggest need.

Downs being smaller does not mean he cannot succeed in Pittsburgh. It also does not mean McCarthy would refuse to coach a receiver with his build. However, Dulac’s explanation suggests that the Steelers might prioritize a different type of addition if they decide to spend draft capital.

There is also a difference between liking a player and liking the trade required to acquire him. Indianapolis would need to receive an acceptable offer, while Pittsburgh would need to feel comfortable with both the price and the role. A deal becomes much harder to justify if the head coach does not see a clear way for the newcomer to improve his offense immediately.

The Steelers would also have to consider the adjustment period with Rodgers. Joining an offense during the season puts a receiver in a difficult position. Learning the terminology is one assignment. Earning the quarterback’s trust on important downs is another, and there would be little time to work through mistakes.

That makes McCarthy’s preference more relevant. If Pittsburgh is going to ask someone to learn quickly and contribute during the stretch run, the coaching staff should have a specific job waiting for him. Simply adding a recognizable name would not guarantee more production.

Dulac’s comments should not be treated as an announcement that a trade cannot happen. They do, however, provide a reason to question whether Downs is as natural a fit as the speculation has made him seem.

Steelers Have To Find A Receiver Mike McCarthy Can Use

Khan has to weigh more than which receivers are available. Any acquisition needs to make sense for the coach calling the plays and the quarterback throwing the passes. Otherwise, Pittsburgh could surrender a draft pick without solving much.

Downs might help another team considerably and still fall behind other options on the Steelers’ list. That is what makes Dulac’s explanation worth considering as the deadline approaches. McCarthy has preferences, and Pittsburgh has limited time to work a newcomer into the offense. If the Steelers make a move, the fit needs to justify the investment before a deal gets done.

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