Steelers Insider Has A Warning About Hollywood Brown That Goes Beyond Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have another opportunity to address their receiving problems without surrendering any draft capital. Considering how disappointed fans were with the organization's inactivity at the trade deadline, the possibility of adding an experienced receiver is certainly intriguing. However, one Pittsburgh insider believes the latest name to become available would leave the Steelers dealing with many of the same problems they already have.

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly waiving veteran receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The two sides mutually agreed that separating would be beneficial, giving the former first-round pick an opportunity to join a playoff contender. Pittsburgh had reportedly considered Brown before Tuesday's deadline, but there were concerns surrounding his size.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo doesn't necessarily believe Brown's availability should change the Steelers' thinking. During a Friday appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo explained the difference between Brown and Josh Downs, who was acquired by the Kansas City Chiefs at the deadline.

“Josh Downs is a different type of receiver. Hollywood Brown to me is probably more like a Roman Wilson. He's going to stretch the field. I don't see him as a guy who's crafty with his routes or anything like that,” Fittipaldo said.

That's an important distinction considering Pittsburgh's struggles against man coverage. Brown's speed can certainly create opportunities downfield, but the Steelers have been searching for someone who can consistently separate underneath and provide Aaron Rodgers with another reliable option when the pocket begins collapsing.

Downs would have brought that particular skill set to Pittsburgh. Brown's ability to threaten defenses vertically is valuable, but the Steelers already have someone they believe can handle similar responsibilities in Roman Wilson.

Before suffering a finger injury against the Indianapolis Colts, Wilson was enjoying the best stretch of his young career. The former Michigan standout recorded 14 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns across five games. Perhaps more importantly, he was beginning to establish the trust of Rodgers after a disappointing start to his NFL career.

Wilson is eligible to return from injured reserve for Pittsburgh's November 22 matchup against Philadelphia. There's no guarantee he'll be ready that afternoon, but his potential return makes adding another receiver with similar capabilities somewhat less appealing.

Fittipaldo also expressed concerns about Brown's ability to remain available.

“Plus, you know, his history, Joe, very small and very injury-prone. And I just don't think the Steelers would want to take on something like that,” Fittipaldo said.

Brown is officially listed at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds. He missed significant time during his two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before appearing in just two regular-season games with Kansas City in 2024 because of an injury suffered during the preseason.

To Brown's credit, he bounced back with 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns across 16 games in 2025. However, an ankle injury interrupted his first season in Philadelphia, and he's managed just five receptions for 63 yards across four appearances.

The Steelers are already dealing with injuries to Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr.. Adding someone with Brown's recent medical history would hardly eliminate the uncertainty surrounding the position.

There's also the presence of Marquez Valdes-Scantling on Pittsburgh's practice squad. The veteran has considerable experience playing with Rodgers and offers another potential deep threat. If Head Coach Mike McCarthy wants to incorporate more vertical routes, he already has someone familiar with the quarterback and his offensive philosophy.

Steelers Should Prioritize Finding A Different Type Of Receiver

General Manager Omar Khan wouldn't have to surrender a draft pick to acquire Brown. However, the veteran must go through waivers before becoming an unrestricted free agent, meaning another organization could claim his existing contract.

The relatively low acquisition cost makes Brown worth discussing, but Pittsburgh shouldn't confuse availability with compatibility.

The Steelers could benefit considerably more from a receiver who consistently wins on third-and-six than someone whose greatest attribute is running past defenders on the occasional deep ball. Rodgers needs another player who can create separation quickly when opposing defenses challenge Pittsburgh's receivers at the line of scrimmage.

Brown has enjoyed plenty of success throughout his NFL career, including a 1,000-yard campaign with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. There's still a reasonable argument that he could contribute to a contender.

Pittsburgh, however, already has several receivers capable of stretching the field. Finding somebody who can make Rodgers' life easier between those explosive opportunities should be the priority. Signing Brown simply because he's available could leave the Steelers right where they started.

#SteelerNation