Steelers linked with Chargers' Ladd McConkey, Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. amid trade deadline rumors

The 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers could make a big statement by earning a win over the 5-2 Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh on Nov. 1 to grab sole possession of first place in the AFC North. 

Even if Pittsburgh falls to Cleveland for the second time this season, the Steelers are expected to be buyers ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. For a Casino.org piece published on Tuesday, league insider Jason La Canfora mentioned that the Steelers could reach out to the Los Angeles Chargers or the Jacksonville Jaguars regarding wide-receiving help.

Are Steelers ready to become "wheeler-dealers" ahead of trade deadline?

"With second-round pick Germie Bernard looking like Pittsburgh’s latest draft gem — and someone who can do the most damage in the slot...adding a piece on the outside who can work crossers and the middle of the field could fortify another playoff run," La Canfora wrote. "After decades of operating as a conservative front office, the Steelers are wheeler-dealers now. One scout suggested to me that someone like Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey might be the kind of target [quarterback Aaron Rodgers] would enjoy throwing to to help sustain drives. Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jaguars is another name to keep an eye on."

Rodgers turns 43 years old in December, which is one reason the Steelers are seen as a win-now team. Additionally, rumors have linked Pittsburgh with wide receivers since even before the 2026 NFL Draft got underway. 

Per ESPN, Rodgers began Tuesday ranked 24th in the league among qualified players with a 49.8 adjusted QBR. Pro-Football-Reference shows that he ended Week 7 ranked 21st with an 88.9 passer rating and 24th with a 61.6 percent completion percentage. Such stats help explain why Pittsburgh may be looking to get Rodgers some help. 

Why Chargers, Jaguars could make a trade

The Chargers are 0-6 coming off their bye, and they could soon embrace a franchise reset. Meanwhile, Thomas appeared to be the Jaguars' third- or fourth-choice option at the position during the club's 34-31 loss to the Houston Texans on Oct. 18. 

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen insisted on Monday that Thomas is "gonna be able to help us make plays this week." That said, it was unclear as of Tuesday whether or not that will actually be the case when 4-2 Jacksonville hosts the 2-5 Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 1.