The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers had “discussions about a trade” for three wide receivers: Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., Indianapolis’ Josh Downs and Tennessee’s Calvin Ridley.
None of the talks got a deal done. Thomas stayed in Jacksonville, Ridley stayed in Tennessee and Downs went to Kansas City.
What Stopped Each Deal
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano gave more detail on why Pittsburgh came away empty-handed.
Graziano reported the Steelers held talks with Tennessee about Ridley. Fowler said a deal for a late-round pick would have made sense, but a recent incident at the Nashville airport gave some teams pause, and The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly reported the Steelers soured on Ridley after it.
Ridley’s production has dropped off fast, too. He had 1,017 receiving yards in his first season in Tennessee in 2024, then 303 yards in seven games last year, and he has six catches through seven games this season while playing about half the snaps.
James Gladstone explains why keeping Brian Thomas Jr. was important to the Jaguars and what he expects from the young receiver down the stretch. 🐆 #DUUUVAL | #Jaguars https://t.co/5I9X4Ypvgl
— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) November 10, 2026
Downs was a different story. Fowler reported that Pittsburgh’s pursuit was complicated by its lack of a 2027 fourth-round pick.
That mattered because the Colts reportedly had a fourth-round offer for Downs on the table “for a while” while holding out for third-round value. They eventually sent him to the Chiefs for 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks, with a seventh-rounder coming back.
Protecting Picks For A Quarterback
Fowler said the Steelers wanted to keep their spending “within reason,” partly because of their long-term uncertainty at quarterback.
His point was that a team that may need to go get a passer later has to keep a reserve of draft capital to do it. That helps explain why Pittsburgh never paid up for a receiver.
Calvin Ridley shares update on his "airport incident," via @PaulKuharskyNFL: https://t.co/fiER5Plk7Q
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 11, 2026
The Steelers are also expecting help from within. Fowler said Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. are expected back from injury soon, and rookie Germie Bernard has produced well opposite D.K. Metcalf.
