The Pittsburgh Steelers are still hunting for help at wide receiver, but the market may be pushing them into a staring contest they don’t want to lose.
With injuries piling up on offense and the trade deadline drawing closer, Indianapolis Colts wideout Josh Downs has emerged as one of the names Pittsburgh is watching. Downs, 25, is seen as one of the more appealing options out there, but the asking price appears steep.
According to Adam Schefter, Indianapolis is holding out for a third-round pick in any deal for Downs. “The Colts have told teams they’re looking for third-round value,” he said on The Adam Schefter Podcast. “Nobody’s willing to do that right now.”
That puts the Steelers in a tricky spot. They need a boost on offense, and it’s no secret they’re open to making a move. Still, a third-rounder may be more than general manager Omar Khan is willing to surrender.
The Colts’ situation is part of what makes this one interesting. Indianapolis is tearing things down, having already moved two of its best players on both sides of the ball, with more veteran departures expected before the deadline. That could eventually soften the price if teams keep waiting.
For now, Pittsburgh and the rest of the league seem to be resisting. A fourth-round pick, for example, would be a number the Steelers might feel much better about if Downs becomes available. At the current asking price, though, they may decide to stay patient and see whether Indianapolis blinks.
If not, the Steelers will have to pivot. And that third-round selection could be used on someone else entirely.
One name that has generated plenty of buzz is Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. A former 1,000-yard receiver who is under 25 years old, he would also likely cost a day two pick. If Pittsburgh sees him as a true difference-maker, the price starts to make more sense.
Other receivers linked to the deadline chatter include Los Angeles Chargers pass-catchers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, along with Philadelphia Eagles players like DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks.
Even with Downs in the mix, the Steelers remain right where they’ve been all along: involved, active, and connected to just about every wide receiver worth watching as the deadline approaches.
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