Steelers Backed Off Hollywood Brown Trade Over One Unusual Concern

The Pittsburgh Steelers' general manager, Omar Khan, had plenty of fans hopeful he would make a move at the NFL trade deadline. Even former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believed Aaron Rodgers could have used another weapon, especially with the injuries Pittsburgh has dealt with at wide receiver. However, the Steelers ultimately decided to stand pat, leaving fans wondering why Khan wasn't more aggressive. At 6-2, Pittsburgh has positioned itself nicely for the second half of the season, but there are still questions about whether this roster has enough firepower to compete for a Super Bowl.

Rodgers has made it clear that this is his final NFL season, which makes Pittsburgh's decision even more interesting. The Steelers have a veteran quarterback trying to win another championship, an experienced coaching staff led by Mike McCarthy and a defense capable of causing problems for opposing offenses. There is a legitimate opportunity in front of this organization. That's why some fans are struggling to understand why Khan wouldn't sacrifice a draft pick or two to improve the passing game.

One name that had generated some interest was veteran wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. The speedy receiver has experience making plays downfield and could have offered Rodgers another option in the passing game. However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently shared an interesting detail about Brown during an appearance on Steelers Collective. According to Kaboly, Pittsburgh may have had a specific concern about the receiver that went beyond his ability to make plays.

"Hollywood Brown, I believe the word said to me was, 'Boy is he small,'" Kaboly said.

That is an interesting admission, especially considering the Steelers were reportedly exploring several wide receiver possibilities before the deadline. Brown has never been known for his size, but his speed and ability to stretch the field have helped him establish a lengthy NFL career. Still, there is a difference between being a productive receiver and being the type of player Pittsburgh wants to add to its offense.

The Steelers have already leaned heavily on bigger offensive weapons, including DK Metcalf and tight end Darnell Washington. McCarthy has found success using multiple tight ends and creating favorable matchups with his personnel. Brown would offer a different skill set, but his smaller frame could have raised questions about how he would fit into Pittsburgh's plans.

Kaboly continued explaining what stood out to him about Brown, recalling just how noticeable the receiver's size was when he entered the NFL.

"You remember it, Ray, in that combine when he came out, I had never seen a smaller wide receiver in my life," Kaboly said. "I mean, he is just small, and I think that might have backed them off of him a little bit."

The important part of Kaboly's comments is that he wasn't confirming Brown's size as the official reason Pittsburgh passed on him. Instead, he suggested it may have contributed to the organization's hesitation. That distinction matters because Khan has not publicly explained every conversation or evaluation that took place before the deadline.

Steelers' Omar Khan May Have Had Legitimate Concerns About Hollywood Brown

The Steelers have spent much of the season trying to establish an offensive identity under McCarthy. Rodgers has experience making nearly every throw imaginable, but Pittsburgh hasn't necessarily needed to rely on a pass-heavy approach to win games. Instead, the offense has found success by leaning on its running backs, tight ends and favorable matchups.

Adding Brown would not automatically have been a bad decision. His speed could have given Rodgers another way to attack defenses, particularly when opponents focus on Metcalf. However, Khan also had to determine whether Brown would provide enough value to justify the compensation and any financial commitments involved.

Do you believe the Pittsburgh Steelers were right to have concerns about Hollywood Brown's size, or should Omar Khan have overlooked that issue to get Aaron Rodgers another weapon? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.

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