Steelers Are Definitive In Seeking Help At 1 Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on their bye in Week 9 after a four-game winning streak. It comes at a time which could be a much-needed break as they look to get healthy for the stretch run of the season. With wide receivers Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. still sidelined with injuries, Pittsburgh is still looking at help at the position. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff have done a tremendous job navigating through injuries so far, but reinforcements could really push the 2026 team over the hump and help it in a playoff run.

The offense has been better in 2026 compared to the 2025 season, but at times it still has stalled for McCarthy's group. That is something that could be fixed if the franchise was to go through with exploring a trade for a wide receiver. It was recently named again as team that is exploring help at the position.

ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler recently posted on social media that he expects the Steelers, amongst other teams, to be involved in the trade market. He mentioned names that have already been floated out there as far as who the team could trade for. He also added a potential backup option that could join the team via trade to help out the offense.

“Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs are two key names,” Fowler said. “I expect one or both to be moved. Kansas City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco among teams in WR market. Calvin Ridley is considered a backup option for teams.”

On Saturday, insider Tom Pelissero backed up Fowler, as he also believes that the franchise will look to make a move to acquire reinforcements due to the injuries. The offense in the Steel City has been better, while the defense has been a top-10 unit in the NFL to help back them so far through eight games. 

However, sluggish starts have given reason for fans to be concerned and could catch up to the collective as it moves forward this year. Acquiring help at wide receiver could help to put those concerns at ease, especially as Pittman is dealing with an injury that could linger.

The one aspect of the offense that has been very successful is the run game, especially with Jaylen Warren rushing for over 700 yards through their eight games so far. Despite that, the passing game has been a noticeable issue that may not be fixed unless they start to get healthier at wide receiver and acquire help outside the organization. 

McCarthy set out the goal to win four straight games ahead of the bye week when his team held a 2-2 record. They did exactly that and can sit comfortably at the top of the AFC North division for the week off, but they have still left some things to be desired on the field.

Steelers Offense Must Support Defense To Have Successful 2026 Season

The Steelers defense has gone back to its dominant ways under the leadership of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. They could still benefit from making a move for a player like Brian Thomas Jr. or Josh Downs, as the burden has fallen mostly on DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard. 

The two have done enough so far, especially as the offense has looked to their tight ends, but the struggles are still an issue that will show up as competition gets tougher after the bye week.

With the NFL trade deadline on November 10th at 4:00 PM EST, news could start coming out quickly and often as teams that are looking to contend try to strengthen up areas of need.

 The Steelers could be involved in that news, as the names mentioned have been linked to the franchise for a few weeks now. For a team looking to win its first playoff game in almost a decade, a move makes perfect sense to add reinforcements to their 2026 roster.