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NFL insider says the Steelers are playing hard to get despite being interested in multiple trade assets

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 6:10 PM ET

One thing we know for certain about the Pittsburgh Steelers is that the roster they are fielding right now will look different come Week 1.

Two positions to watch, especially in terms of trades, are corner and wide receiever.

And while the Steelers have been active in trade calls and continue to do so, they aren't exactly offering what other teams want...

Pittsburgh "lowballing" in trade talks

"They're going to have to get another pass catcher," Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports told Kyle Long via the Pushing the Pile podcast. "I don't know if that's a wide receiver and I don't know if that's a tight end. They're going to have to get a pass catcher. And they know that. They've been lowballing teams when they make a call. 'Hey, how about this guy? No, we're not doing that for a conditional sixth-round pick.' They'll get there."

Most Steelers fans know by now that Omar Khan is one for hardball. Sometimes, said tactic nets you the 32nd overall pick and Joey Porter Jr. in return for a WR you didn't plan on keeping anyway via Chase Claypool.

But other times, it costs you a WR you could have used via Brandon Aiyuk. The difference between where things stand now and Aiyuk for example, is the timing of everything.

When the Steelers swung and missed with the San Francisco 49ers, it was just before the season started. In this case, most teams haven't started summer vacation, much less training camp.

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So I don't blame Khan for his tactics. You're first offer, in any negotiation, is seldom your best offer. They teach you that on day one of business school. The tricky part here is that Khan loves to live up to the nickname "Khan artist."

And when you make trades like JPJ for Claypool, or Diontae Johnson for Donte Jackson, who then has a career year, it's more than fair. But he's earned a reputation around the league for said tactics, and it's clear that other teams have caught on. That's likely why Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Kyle Pitts, and Jonnu Smith aren't Steelers, despite multiple reports of the team being interested.

So as Jones said, it might take some time and a better offer, but the Steelers will add to their unit at some point. The point where Omar Khan brings something worthwhile to the table, to be exact.