Pittsburgh Steelers Emerge In Trade Rumors For Recent 1st-Round WR Who Had 1,282 Yards As A Rookie

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally broke the 30-point mark for the first time this season, but this offense could still use some work. In fact, one NFL analyst thinks they really need another big-time target in the passing game.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently came up with five teams that could help Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. bounce back, and Pittsburgh is one of them.

Thomas came into the league as a first-round pick and balled out right away, piling up more than 1,200 yards as a rookie two years ago. But his numbers got cut nearly in half last season, and he’s off to a slow start this year with only seven catches for 88 yards through the first three games.

Steelers Could Give Brian Thomas Jr. A Fresh Start

Knox believes Pittsburgh could give Thomas the type of opportunity he needs. The Steelers have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, but their receiving group has not consistently produced.

“Because of how fierce this AFC North race is shaping up to be, the Steelers can’t afford to rest on their laurels and must add more firepower,” Knox wrote.

He also pointed to Rodgers’ play this season and said adding another weapon could help the veteran quarterback.

“Brian Thomas Jr. could be the best bang for Pittsburgh’s buck, providing them with a potential WR1 at a budget cost,” Knox wrote.

Pittsburgh already made moves at receiver this year. The team acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts and drafted Germie Bernard in the second round.

Roman Wilson currently leads the Steelers with 11 catches for 114 yards and one touchdown. D.K. Metcalf has 11 catches for 98 yards and one touchdown on 24 targets. Pittman has five catches for 74 yards in two games.

Pittman also missed Week 2 with a foot injury. He returned Sunday and caught a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Thomas could give Pittsburgh another young receiver with first-round talent. He also remains on his rookie contract.

However, Jacksonville has shown little interest in moving him. Jaguars general manager James Gladstone made that clear in March.

“You think back to where we landed at the end of the season, where our passing attack was, we have no interest in disrupting the momentum,” Gladstone told ESPN.

The Jaguars could still change their stance if Thomas continues to struggle. But Pittsburgh would likely need to give up significant draft capital. A second-round pick could enter the conversation, especially as the November trade deadline approaches.

For now, the Steelers could wait and see how Metcalf, Pittman, and Bernard perform before making another move.