Just like last year, the receiver position is one to watch closely on the trade front as it pertains to the Steelers. A few names in particular have been connected to Pittsburgh regarding the 2026 deadline.
Josh Downs has asked to be traded by the Colts, and the pending free agent has been the subject of Steelers interest. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has once again been linked to a pursuit of former Jaguars first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. It would come as little surprise if general manager Omar Khan were to swing a deal of some kind to provide WR depth, but a notable addition should not be expected.
During Monday’s edition of The Aftermath, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported (video link) the Steelers are unlikely to part with significant draft capital if a receiver addition is made. A swap involving only a Day 3 pick is more realistic. Pittsburgh currently has five selections in the 2027 draft between rounds five and seven. Fowler names Titans wideout Calvin Ridley (who is seen as a backup option for other WR-needy suitors) as a target to watch for. Also in the market for cornerback help, Khan and Co. have $9.45MM in cap space to work with.
Here are some other trade-related notes from around the AFC North:
- Calais Campbell returned to the Ravens when he inked a one-year deal in free agency. The 40-year-old sees the 2026 season as his last, so a move to a contender would make sense as he aims to win his first career Super Bowl. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, however, Campbell prefers to remain in place. It will nevertheless be interesting to see if a market emerges among contending teams in this case. The Ravens have lost four straight games and may not see Lamar Jackson return this season, making a seller’s approach one that could receive consideration ahead of the trade deadline.
- While the Steelers’ targets on the trade front are clear, the Bengals have not been connected to a serious pursuit at any one position so far. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports (video link) interest has only been shown with respect to low-cost deals across the trade market up to this point. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Monday (via Zrebeic’s colleague Paul Dehner Jr.) no moves are planned as things stand. Cincinnati’s win in Madrid moved the team to 6-2, a record matching Pittsburgh’s for top spot in the division.
- The Browns are known to be interested in additions at tight end and along the edge, but no moves on either front appear to be forthcoming. Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com writes nothing is imminent at this time regarding an addition or subtraction. An offer including “premium” draft picks for veteran wideout Jerry Jeudy would have been welcomed, she adds. With no such overtures being made, though, Jeudy is in line to remain an experienced presence on an otherwise young Browns skill-position group.
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