Cryptic message from superstar WR should trigger Steelers GM Omar Khan to make a blockbuster trade that suddenly seems possible
The Steelers still need help at WR. A new name may be emerging and he’s the best fit yet.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 3-1 and coming off their most efficient offensive performance of the season. Headed into their bye week sitting pretty atop the AFC North, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Right? Except the Steelers’ WR room is broken.
Calvin Austin III skirted a major injury, but he is still expected to miss time with a shoulder injury. You can go as far back as his rookie season, training camp this year, or as recently as Sunday, and you can see that durability is a concern for the electric pass catcher.
If Austin misses time, the Steelers’ WR2 will become a by-committee approach of Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson, the latter of whom played just six percent of the Steelers’ snaps on Sunday.
So now is the time for Omar Khan to pick up the phone and call his cross-state buddy, Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles, about A.J. Brown.
A.J. Brown Facts
- Brown played college football at Ole Miss with Steelers WR DK Metcalf.
- Steelers OC Arthur Smith coached A.J. Brown when he was on the Titans.
- Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl was in Philadelphia when the Eagles traded for Brown.
Steelers need to go all in on A.J. Brown
To get a better perspective on the Eagles’ side of a potential trade, I asked Kelsey Kramer of A to Z Sports Philadelphia to weigh in.
“A.J. Brown is clearly unhappy with the Eagles, regardless of the team being 4-0. That’s because the ball isn’t being thrown his way, and even when it is, a handful of passes are uncatchable. With the trade deadline coming up, the question of whether or not he wants to still be an Eagle is a big one.”
“Head coach Nick Sirianni attempted to say that Brown is here to stay in Philly, but I don’t think that’s a lock. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is the king of trades, and if Brown wants out, he’s going to work the phones to find something that benefits both of them. Sure, Brown will be missed, but there are clearly one too many weapons on Philly’s offense to fill his shoes.”
– Kelsey Kramer, A to Z Sports Philadelphia
Outside of the familiarity with Metcalf and Smith’s scheme, Brown is built like a Steeler. He’s tough, physical, durable, plays with an edge, and above all else, explosive. He’s a special breed, and he’s paid far too much, and he’s far too talented to be ending games with only seven yards receiving.
And that cryptic tweet from Brown may be the first of its kind, but the writing has been on the wall for some time. Mind you, this is all going on while the Eagles are winning, by the way. Imagine the first time they lose, and Brown doesn’t have a ton of targets or catches.
With a guaranteed salary at a little over $1 million in 2025 and the Steelers projected to be in the upper quadrant of effective cap space in 2026, the money shouldn’t be an issue. The familiarity, the need for the Steelers, and the boiling emotions between Brown and the Eagles make now the perfect time to strike for Omar Khan.
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