Steelers Appear Likely To Get Massive Josh Downs Discount

The Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly in the market for a wide receiver, and General Manager Omar Khan may have just been handed a gift on a silver platter. That's after the latest discussion coming out of the Indianapolis Colts, where insider Derek Schultz suggested Pittsburgh could acquire Josh Downs for considerably less than some might expect. With the Steelers sitting at 6-2 and trying to strengthen their passing attack, the possibility deserves attention.

Pittsburgh has received valuable contributions from tight ends Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth, along with running back Jaylen Warren. Still, the offense could use another dependable receiving option alongside DK Metcalf. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has helped the Steelers win games, but adding a player who can consistently create separation would give the passing game another dimension. Downs is an intriguing name because he could complement Pittsburgh's existing weapons rather than simply duplicate what Metcalf does best. His ability to work underneath could give Pittsburgh a reliable answer on third down and in traffic.

Schultz recently discussed what Indianapolis might realistically demand for Downs, and his assessment could encourage Steelers fans hoping for a move. Rather than describing a blockbuster package, he floated a relatively modest return. He also argued that the Colts' circumstances could leave them with little negotiating power.

"If not a four, maybe a five and a pick swap, something along those lines," Schultz said via 93.7 The Fan. "The Colts have no leverage right now. They have to sell."

That is a fascinating possibility for Khan, who must weigh immediate improvements against the value of future draft selections. Acquiring a capable receiver for a late-round pick would be a very different decision from surrendering premium draft capital. If Schultz's estimate proves realistic, Pittsburgh could address an obvious offensive need without making a particularly painful sacrifice.

Of course, the Colts would have to agree with that valuation. An insider's belief about what a team should accept does not establish what its front office will actually demand. Other interested teams could complicate negotiations, and Indianapolis might decide that keeping Downs makes more sense than accepting a discounted offer. Still, Schultz believes there are reasons the organization might prioritize a workable destination over extracting every possible asset.

He pointed to Indianapolis' handling of other veterans as part of that reasoning, suggesting the Colts have been willing to consider circumstances beyond maximum trade value. His argument was not simply that Pittsburgh should offer less. He believes the organization might be motivated to move players while maintaining its reputation for treating veterans well.

"I think they took less for DeForest Buckner because they knew they had to sell," Schultz said. "There's a chance they took a little bit less for Quenton Nelson because they knew they had to sell."

Schultz then connected that thinking directly to Pittsburgh. He suggested the Steelers' organizational stability could make them an attractive destination for Downs and potentially influence Indianapolis' willingness to negotiate. That remains speculation, not confirmation of negotiations.

"This is a franchise that does right by their veterans," Schultz said. "So I think Downs would probably like to go to a stable franchise like Pittsburgh. The Colts may be willing to make that happen, even if they take a little bit off the top as far as the trade value they get in return."

Steelers Could Give Aaron Rodgers A Valuable New Weapon

For Pittsburgh, the appeal extends beyond the potential price. Downs could provide another target on routes that demand quick decisions and precise timing, helping Rodgers find answers when defenses focus on Metcalf or crowd the middle of the field. That could also make life easier for Washington, Freiermuth and Warren by forcing opponents to respect more receiving threats.

Would you trade a late-round draft pick and a pick swap to bring Josh Downs to the Pittsburgh Steelers?