Steelers eyeing top wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers before trade deadline

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching on Nov. 10, and now is the time that teams are making big decisions about what to do.

If teams want to make a real playoff push, a trade is often in order.

Now, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have released a feature with some of the latest buzz around the NFL ahead of the trade deadline.

For the Steelers, they note that the team has its eyes on another wide receiver to help quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The Steelers are having a strong season at 6-2 and No. 1 in the AFC North.

But if they want to make it to the next level, having another strong wide receiver in the fold would be a huge help.

In the piece, Graziano says that the Steelers are serious about trying to lock in some wideout assistance.

So, don't be shocked if the team makes some big moves.

He states, "The Steelers have been looking for wide receiver help, as Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are on injured reserve, and DK Metcalf is having a disappointing season."

Graziano adds, "Pittsburgh believes it has the defense, run game and offensive line to continue supporting Aaron Rodgers and make a legitimate run in his final season, and the team would like to get him some help, whether it's in the form of Downs, Thomas or another pass catcher."

He's referring to Josh Downs of the Colts and Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Steelers are among several teams interested in them.

This comes as Rodgers is having a solid, if not spectacular, season at age 42.

He has thrown for 1,871 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 60.8% completion.

The Steelers (6-2) sit atop the AFC North.

Jordan Rodgers, Aaron's brother and an ESPN analyst, recently defended his pick of Aaron as the AFC quarterback he trusts most in the playoffs.

"This one might surprise you a little bit," Jordan said on First Take.

"I'm gonna go Rodgers, and here's why."

"I think Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now," Jordan said.

"Him and Caleb Williams are right up there for me."

"The Steelers know who they are, though," Jordan said.

"They have an elite defense that's playing at a high level, and they run the freaking ball," Jordan said.

"So they're asking less of Aaron than maybe he ever has at any point in his career, right?" Jordan said.

"He needs to manage the run game."

"He needs to find opportunities to get his playmakers, like Jaylen Warren, in space—like Darnell Washington in space."

"Get a few opportunities to DK [Metcalf]," Jordan said.

"I just feel like I trust the guy that's got the MVPs, that has the veteran status, that's seen everything, that is also not required everything of him for them to win," Jordan said.

"I think that's a good sweet spot they're in."

The trade deadline is a hard stop at 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 10.

After that, no more player trades are allowed until the offseason.

Teams can still sign free agents, but the pool of available talent is thin.

For the Steelers, the clock is ticking.

Josh Downs is a third-year slot receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

He has 42 catches for 482 yards and 3 touchdowns this season.

Downs is under a rookie contract through 2026, making him an affordable target.

Brian Thomas Jr. is a second-year wideout for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He has 38 catches for 589 yards and 5 touchdowns this season.

Thomas was a first-round pick in 2025 and is under team control through 2028.

The Jaguars are 2-6 and out of playoff contention, which could make them sellers.

The Colts are 4-4 and still in the AFC South race, which could make them reluctant to deal.

Both teams have reportedly received calls from multiple suitors.

The Steelers have salary cap space to absorb a mid-level contract.

They also have draft capital, holding all their own picks in 2027 plus compensatory selections.

General manager Omar Khan has been aggressive in his tenure, making multiple in-season trades.

Last year, he acquired wide receiver Mike Williams at the deadline.

This year, the need is more acute.

Michael Pittman Jr. is on injured reserve with a knee injury and is not eligible to return until Week 14 at the earliest.

Roman Wilson, a rookie third-round pick, has been on IR since Week 3 with a hamstring issue.

DK Metcalf, acquired in a blockbuster trade with Seattle in March, has 34 catches for 478 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Those numbers are below expectations for a player of his caliber.

Metcalf is averaging 13.7 yards per catch, the lowest of his career.

He has also drawn criticism for drops, with 5 on the season.

Behind Metcalf, the depth chart features Calvin Austin III (22 catches, 289 yards, 2 TD) and Van Jefferson (15 catches, 178 yards, 1 TD).

Neither has proven to be a reliable second option.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth leads the team in receptions with 44.

Running back Jaylen Warren has 31 catches out of the backfield.