“After decades of operating as a conservative front office, the Steelers are wheeler-dealers now,” La Canfora wrote in his Casino.org column.
A scout told La Canfora someone like McConkey might be the kind of target Aaron Rodgers would enjoy throwing to, and La Canfora added Thomas as another name to watch.
Why Pittsburgh Needs Help
La Canfora wrote the Steelers’ brass understands another playmaker is likely in order even after the DK Metcalf trade with Seattle.
Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) are both on injured reserve, Wilson can’t return until Week 11 at the earliest, and Ben Skowronek (calf) has missed two straight games.
Ladd McConkey (concussion) was on the field in a no-contact jersey during the Chargers' unofficial practice session Monday. Via @bynoahfurtado https://t.co/h0GKbpiMWY
— RotoWire Fantasy Football (@RotoWireNFL) October 26, 2026
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also named the Steelers as a team to watch in the receiver market Monday.
The Two Receivers
McConkey has 13 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown for the 0-6 Chargers this season, after posting 66 catches for 789 yards and six touchdowns last year.
He split his snaps about 53 percent outside and 46 percent in the slot this season, and he had 107 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh last season.
#Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr is nearing a trade that would send him to the #49ers Sources do not know the details of the trade yet. https://t.co/KhmCwLr2h2
— Jordan Smith (@JordanSmithNews) October 25, 2026
Thomas is 24 and in the third year of a four-year, $14.38 million rookie deal, and he has nine catches for 105 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets in six games.
His production dropped under Jaguars head coach Liam Coen last year, when he had 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns.
