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The Pittsburgh Steelers signaled they were going all-in for the 2025 NFL season when they signed 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal ahead of the campaign. Thus far, the move has paid off.
The Steelers got off to a strong start with Rodgers at the helm. They opened the season 4-1 and are perched atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh has a good chance to remain there with the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) reeling following the loss of Joe Burrow to a toe injury and the banged-up Baltimore Ravens (1-5) facing a tough path back to contention after a dismal start.
That could convince the Steelers to throw even more of their proverbial chips into the pot as the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline draws nearer.
Pittsburgh does have a few needs remaining to be filled, after all. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the team is interested in adding a wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf, whom the team acquired via an offseason trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers also have a couple of areas for improvement, both along the offensive line and on defense, that could shore up their status as a Super Bowl 60 contender.
Here’s a look at the top players the Steelers could target ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline, with a particular emphasis on the wide receiver position.
The Eagles are hoping to defend their Super Bowl 59 title in 2025, so Brown may not ultimately end up on the trading block. That said, the 28-year-old wide-out has struggled to consistently connect with Jalen Hurts this season and appeared to express discontent in a cryptic social media post following his two-catch, seven-yard outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.
If the relationship between Brown and the Eagles sours at any point, Pittsburgh could swoop in and reunite the veteran receiver with his college teammate, DK Metcalf. The two complemented each other well at Ole Miss, and Brown’s inside-outside versatility would add another dimension to the Steelers’ offense.
The Titans fired Brian Callahan less than a season and a half after hiring him following a 1-5 start. That should thrust the team into “seller” territory, and Ridley – who turns 31 in December – is among the most intriguing pieces they have to offer.
Ridley is off to a slow start in 2025, but he showed he still has downfield receiving capabilities during a five-catch, 131-yard outing in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Moving him into a No. 2 role across from Metcalf could allow him to regain the form that allowed him to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2023) and Titans (2024).
Calvin Austin III has been solid for the Steelers when healthy, recording 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns across four games. Pittsburgh could still stand to upgrade over him in the slot, however, and relegate the 5-8, 162-pound Austin to a No. 3 receiver role that better suits his speedy skill set.
Meyers would allow that to happen. The 6-2, 193-pound veteran has long been a steady slot receiver with great hands, making him an ideal middle-of-the-field security blanket for Rodgers. Meyers, who turns 29 in November, is on pace for 82 catches and 932 yards in 2025 but could improve upon that production working with Rodgers.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in a full-fledged rebuild, and Olave’s contract is up at the end of the 2026 season. That may be enough to convince New Orleans to move on from the 25-year-old, who has averaged a career-low 8.8 yards per reception through six weeks.
Olave has been targeted 64 times during the 2025 NFL season, and 35 of those have come within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Rodgers has thrown a majority of his passes (75%) to that part of the field, making Olave an ideal, plug-and-play option for the Steelers. The 25-year-old also has slot versatility, logging 135 snaps at the position this season compared to 216 out wide.
Jennings is set to be a free agent following the season and requested a trade away from the 49ers before the season began, as the two parties were in a contract dispute. He has remained with the team but hasn’t been overly productive, catching 10 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown across four games.
Of course, it’s worth noting Jennings is dealing with five broken ribs and multiple ankle sprains, by his own admission. So, when healthy, the 6-3, 212-pound wide-out could return to his usual productive and physical self.
Jennings would bring toughness to Pittsburgh’s receiver room, while San Francisco should be fine without him once Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall return from injury.
Rodgers loves playing with Allen Lazard. If the Steelers can find a way to add the 29-year-old veteran to the roster ahead of the deadline, they might as well do it. Lazard may not play a significant role for the team, but the 6-5, 227-pounder could find a role as a situational red-zone weapon.
Lazard accepted an $8.5 million pay cut with the Jets earlier in the season and has just a $1.75 million base salary for the season. He would be easy to afford and likely wouldn’t cost the Steelers more than a late-round pick swap to get.
The Steelers have a few areas of need to consider aside from wide receiver. They could use both depth at offensive tackle and a player who could potentially challenge left-side starter Broderick Jones, who grades as Pro Football Focus’ 67th tackle out of 76 qualifiers after allowing four sacks and committing four penalties to open the season.
That could make Braxton Jones, who has made 44 career starts at left tackle, a good gamble. He was just benched by the Bears in favor of undrafted rookie Theo Benedet, but the 26-year-old has graded marginally better than his last-name-sharing counterpart with the Steelers.
Braxton Jones has allowed two sacks and committed one penalty across his game action. At the very least, he would provide Pittsburgh with a solid swing tackle. At the most, he could usurp the starting job from the other Jones.
The Steelers defense has rounded into form nicely after a slow start to the season. Their one weakness is at linebacker, where Payton Wilson has struggled next to Patrick Queen.
Davis is one of the NFL’s best run defenders and would help shore up the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense. The 36-year-old has long been one of the NFL’s top inside linebackers but the Saints may be willing to move on from him as they navigate a rebuild.
Brooks isn’t quite as consistent as Davis, but the 27-year-old is nine years younger than him. The former first-round pick has been steady as they come for a struggling Dolphins defense and could improve his play if surrounded by more talent.
Brooks has posted at least 111 tackles in four consecutive seasons and presently leads the NFL with 66 tackles through six games.
