New information casts doubt on Steelers trade rumors for Brandon Aiyuk, DK Metcalf, or Courtland Sutton

Steelers general manager Omar Khan tried to put the blazing trade rumors to rest, but fans were optimistic that a move was coming. It made sense, considering Pittsburgh spent four of its first five selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on the offense and acquired two quarterbacks earlier in the offseason. The offense still lacks a clear starter next to George Pickens and Roman Wilson.

The idea of adding Aiyuk, Metcalf, or Sutton was enticing, even if each player likely needs a new deal sooner rather than later. It's even fair to wonder if Pittsburgh would call Las Vegas about Davante Adams, who might be getting restless with their quarterback situation.

However, McFadden walked his comments back a bit on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday night. McFadden clarified that it could "potentially" be a wide receiver who was already on the roster he was referring to. He also admitted his source was a friend without direct ties to the franchise. 

"It was information that I received through a friend who is very, very involved in the NFL," he stated on host Matt Koll's show. "I didn't talk to anybody from the Steelers, I didn't talk to Omar, nothing like that."

So, in other words, there's no smoke to this particular fire right now. This was a "Sources? Trust me, bro" moment for McFadden, who shouldn't have phrased what he said like a verified fact. Reckless speculation has cost McFadden his reputation as a potential insider on the team.

And that, folks, is a lesson in journalism. While McFadden tried to save face when going on The Fan's Andrew Fillpponni's show, there's no market for this type of tongue-in-cheek speculation.