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PITTSBURGH -- With a rash of injuries thinning their wide receiver room, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of reinforcements if they hope to sustain their early-season success. At 3-2 through five weeks, the team has managed to move the ball effectively on offense despite dressing a depleted roster.
For the immediate Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers could turn to internal options. Practice squad and active roster members such as Brandon Smith, Brandon Johnson, Eli Heidenreich, and Max Hurleman are all candidates to see snaps. Alternatively, Pittsburgh might poach a veteran from another team's practice squad who could step in right away—names like K.J. Osborn, Mecole Hardman, and Trey Palmer fit that mold.
Yet another avenue is a low-risk trade. The Steelers have shown a willingness to add veteran pieces this season without surrendering significant assets, and that approach could continue with three specific trade candidates who would likely cost very little.
Marquise Brown: Cross-State Fire Sale
On the eastern side of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be holding a fire sale. After trading offensive lineman Cam Jurgens following Lane Johnson's retirement and shipping A.J. Brown out of town before the 2026 season, the Eagles have little use for Marquise "Hollywood" Brown. The former first-round pick has appeared in just one game this season, logging two carries for 12 yards. However, he posted over 500 receiving yards with the Kansas City Chiefs last year. With Philadelphia clearly selling, a sixth- or seventh-round pick might be enough to bring the 2019 first-rounder to Pittsburgh.
Brian Thomas Jr.: The Fresh Start Candidate
The Jacksonville Jaguars believed they had a star when they selected Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and a 1,200-yard rookie campaign reinforced that belief. But his production has dipped significantly since. He managed just over 700 yards as a sophomore and has continued to fall out of favor in Jacksonville. Through five games in 2026, Thomas has played less than half of the team's offensive snaps, according to Spotrac, accumulating only 105 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars are committed to winning with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and Thomas isn't contributing right now. A change of scenery in Pittsburgh, where he'd work with a different quarterback and offensive coach, could revive his career. If the Steelers can acquire him for a Day 3 pick in 2027, it's a no-brainer. But if the price approaches what the Houston Texans paid for Marvin Harrison Jr., Pittsburgh should walk away.
Jalen Tolbert: Reunion with Mike McCarthy
Back in 2024, Jalen Tolbert enjoyed his most productive NFL season, catching 49 passes for 610 yards and seven touchdowns under then-Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. Outside of that year, he's been a 200-yard receiver across his five NFL seasons. The connection matters because McCarthy now coaches the Steelers, and Pittsburgh could offer Tolbert a chance to recapture that magic. Currently with the 0-5 Miami Dolphins and earning $1.4 million in actual cash, Tolbert could be acquired for virtually nothing—a low-risk move for a player his head coach already trusts.
Jacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers On SI and the NHL for Breakaway On SI. He also co-hosts the All Steelers Talk podcast. Previous work covering the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News. Follow Jake_Atsby.