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As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Week 10 divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football, they do so with a 6-2 record and without any new additions from the 2026 NFL trade deadline. The team's inactivity aligned with the expectations of their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who shared his perspective on Wednesday.
Rodgers explained that he has grown accustomed to uneventful trade deadlines, noting that he has rarely been on a team that made a significant acquisition. "I've learned to never hold my breath around a trade deadline because I don't know that I've ever been part of a team—other than when we got Davante in Jersey—where there was an addition," Rodgers said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. Over his 22 NFL seasons, Rodgers has experienced just one deadline trade, underscoring how hype often fails to materialize into action, especially since trades require two willing partners.
The Steelers' lack of moves doesn't mean they weren't active in discussions. Pittsburgh was linked to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. before Jacksonville opted to retain him, and they were also rumored to have interest in Calvin Ridley, but Tennessee chose to keep him as well. Wide receiver remains the most glaring need for the Steelers, with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson on injured reserve, leaving DK Metcalf, Germie Bernard, and a group of backups as Rodgers' primary targets.
Another factor influencing the deadline was Rodgers' own future. Pittsburgh aimed to preserve draft picks for the future, knowing Rodgers plans to retire after the 2026 season. As a result, the Steelers were unlikely to make any trade. Ultimately, Pittsburgh should remain competitive as long as they continue their winning ways down the stretch.
Key Analysis
The Steelers' decision to stand pat at the deadline reflects a strategic approach to team building, prioritizing future assets over short-term fixes. Rodgers' experience highlights the unpredictability of deadline deals, and with key receivers injured, Pittsburgh's depth will be tested. However, their strong start suggests they can weather the storm if they maintain their momentum.
Steelers at Bengals kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Nov 15 from Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Originally reported by yahoo.