The Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest offseason addition might not be a draft pick, a free agent, or even a quarterback — but a 23-year-old wide receiver who could instantly pair with DK Metcalf to form one of the most fearsome duos in the league.
The Steelers are in active discussions about a potential blockbuster trade for Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., according to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan.
Pittsburgh wants to strike before the 2026 NFL Draft reshuffles the market. Speaking at the NFL Combine on Tuesday, Khan took ownership of Pittsburgh’s underwhelming receiver room over the past several seasons, signaling the franchise is ready to make a significant move.
The Perfect Storm in Jacksonville
Thomas’s sophomore slump was notable. He finished with 48 catches, 707 yards, and two touchdowns after a 1,282-yard rookie season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Thomas ranked 59th out of 81 qualifying wide receivers with a 65.5 grade. His elite 2.41 yards per route run from 2024 dropped to 1.50 in 2025, and his catch rate plummeted to just 52.7%.
While some of that had to do with a nagging wrist injury he suffered in Week 2, Thomas also looked out of sorts with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
After Jacksonville acquired Jakobi Meyers at the 2025 trade deadline, Thomas finds himself in a crowded receiver room that includes 2025 No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter and breakout WR Parker Washington, who cemented himself as one of Lawrence’s go-to targets down the stretch.
Washington averaged 115 receiving yards per game over the final three regular-season contests and followed that up with seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown in the 27-24 Wild Card loss versus the Buffalo Bills.
Suddenly, the receiver they drafted to be a franchise cornerstone has become the odd man out.
ESPN ranked Thomas the No. 1 trade candidate in the league this offseason, and Dan Graziano noted the Steelers, Patriots, Bills, and Raiders are all monitoring his availability.
Why Pittsburgh Makes The Most Sense
McCarthy inherited a receiver room that doesn’t scare anyone. Despite trading a second-round pick and signing DK Metcalf to a $132 million extension, Metcalf can’t carry the Steelers’ passing attack on his own.
After the Steelers’ offense stalled in a 30-6 Wild Card loss versus the Houston Texans, adding another weapon to complement Metcalf has become a top offseason priority.
Among his potential landing spots, Pittsburgh might make the most sense for the 23-year-old.
In Pittsburgh, Thomas would not have to shoulder the load of a typical No. 1 receiver, which should take some of the pressure off following a disappointing campaign. He also has a more diverse intermediate route tree than Metcalf and is versatile enough to move into the slot to take advantage of weaker matchups, which could open up.
McCarthy’s offense is predicated on vertical passing concepts and deep shots off of play-action. A Metcalf–Thomas pairing would be among the most physically imposing receiver duos in the AFC and both players are the type of vertical threats that give defensive coordinators nightmares.
The quarterback question looms, but it actually strengthens the case for a trade.
All signs are that Aaron Rodgers will be back in Pittsburgh for at least one more season, which means the Steelers will be going all-in to win the Super Bowl in 2026. Even if Rodgers retires, adding Thomas allows the Steelers pivot to a new signal-caller under McCarthy, without triggering an all-out rebuild.
Jacksonville’s Leverage Is Real
Thomas is under contract for two more years at rookie-scale money, giving Jacksonville enough control to hold firm unless a deal makes sense.
But while the Jaguars aren’t desperate to move on, a change of scenery could make sense for both sides.
Trade packages floated publicly center on a first-round pick minimum, and Pittsburgh, which has made four receiver trades in two years, has shown a willingness to pay up for top talent.
Pittsburgh was floated as a potential destination at last year’s deadline, but nothing materialized.
If the Steelers pull the trigger this time, it could be the move that elevates them to becoming a serious Super Bowl contender.
