Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) against the Houston Texans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a challenging afternoon in Tampa Bay, overcoming a 13-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime. Head coach Mike McCarthy spent halftime receiving treatment for a foot injury after someone stepped on him along the sideline, temporarily leaving assistant head coach Joe Whitt Jr. in charge of addressing the team.
With this victory, Pittsburgh improved to 4-2, keeping pace with Baltimore and Cleveland at the top of the AFC North. However, the comeback also revealed issues that general manager Omar Khan should consider before the trade deadline on November 10.
Aaron Rodgers needed 49 passing attempts to move the offense effectively, and injuries have made the receiving corps increasingly reliant on DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard. Pittsburgh has invested significantly in competing immediately with its veteran quarterback, making offensive reinforcements particularly important as the division race heats up.
Three potential trade targets could provide valuable support without requiring the Steelers to abandon the younger players they are developing for the future.
Jauan Jennings could restore physicality to Pittsburgh's receiving rotation
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) runs to score a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Levi's Stadium.
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The Steelers have spent much of October searching for reliable receiving options after injuries disrupted their depth chart. Michael Pittman Jr. was placed on injured reserve due to a recurring foot issue, while Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek have also faced injuries. Currently, Metcalf and Bernard have combined for 22 receptions against Tampa Bay, highlighting how much the offense relies on its healthy primary targets.
Jennings could provide Pittsburgh with a different type of receiving presence, particularly in situations where Rodgers needs someone adept at making difficult catches near the first-down marker. At 29 years old, he joined Minnesota during the offseason after spending six seasons with San Francisco, but his involvement with the Vikings has been minimal. In four appearances, he has only recorded two receptions for nine yards, despite having previously established a solid track record in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
During his final season with the 49ers, Jennings caught 55 passes for 643 yards and nine touchdowns. His production showcased a skill set built around physical route-running, strong hands, and the ability to maintain focus amid contact. These traits could translate effectively into McCarthy's passing game, particularly when Pittsburgh faces defenses aiming to limit explosive opportunities for Metcalf.
Jennings has experience working against underneath coverage and creating separation through positioning, making him another potential target for Rodgers on third downs and in the red zone. His willingness to block would also provide flexibility for an offense looking to achieve a better balance between its passing and rushing attacks, but Minnesota's undefeated start complicates the possibility of a trade, as the Vikings have little incentive to weaken their roster unnecessarily. Nonetheless, Jennings’ limited participation gives Pittsburgh a reason to explore whether a reasonable offer could convince Minnesota to reconsider his role.
Any agreement would need to consider his short-term contract and the likelihood that his contributions would depend on how quickly he adjusts to a new offensive system. For a team aiming to maximize its opportunities with Rodgers, acquiring an experienced receiver at a manageable cost could provide immediate benefits while easing the pressure on younger players.
Calvin Ridley could bring another experienced playmaker to Pittsburgh
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) takes the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tennessee's challenging start to the season has raised questions about how aggressively the Titans might reshape their roster before the trade deadline. Although the organization secured its first victory against Indianapolis in Week 6, its broader offensive struggles have limited opportunities for several experienced players, including Calvin Ridley.
The veteran receiver remains an intriguing target due to his previous production and ability to operate in various areas of the passing game. He recorded 1,017 receiving yards during his first season with Tennessee in 2024, demonstrating that he can still handle significant responsibilities within an NFL offense, but his involvement has declined considerably this season as the Titans focus on the development of young quarterback Cam Ward. This situation has created uncertainty about how effectively Tennessee can utilize its experienced receiving personnel.
Pittsburgh could provide a different environment, centered around a quarterback familiar with identifying coverage weaknesses and adjusting routes before the snap. Rodgers has formed productive connections with established receivers throughout his career, often benefiting from players who know how to exploit defensive positioning and create passing windows through precise movement.
Ridley’s experience would offer another option that could attract coverage attention, making it more difficult for opposing defenses to concentrate their efforts solely on Metcalf. The Steelers could also distribute receiving responsibilities more evenly while Pittman recovers, helping the coaching staff avoid placing excessive demands on Bernard during his rookie season, but Ridley's age and contract could complicate negotiations, especially since Tennessee may prefer to retain experienced players around Ward. The Titans have not confirmed that he is available, and Pittsburgh would need to assess how much financial responsibility it could realistically take on.
Austin Jackson could give Pittsburgh valuable protection insurance
Miami Dolphins guard Austin Jackson (73) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Miami Dolphins guard Austin Jackson (73) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Steelers have shown promising progress with their young offensive linemen, especially as Max Iheanachor and Troy Fautanu develop into key contributors. Their improvement has bolstered confidence in the team's long-term outlook, but protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is crucial for a franchise aiming to compete immediately.
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Miami offensive tackle Austin Jackson could serve as an experienced option if the Dolphins are open to roster changes before November. Jackson has extensive starting experience on the right side of the offensive line and has previously demonstrated his value in Miami's movement-oriented rushing attack. His athleticism and familiarity with various blocking responsibilities could be appealing to Pittsburgh as the coaching staff assesses ways to enhance offensive consistency, and while the Steelers already have promising young tackles, any potential acquisition of Jackson would depend on his ability to provide genuine flexibility without hindering their development. An experienced player could be particularly valuable if injuries necessitate changes during the second half of the season, when maintaining continuity along the offensive line becomes increasingly challenging.
Pittsburgh's recent offensive performances indicate that improved protection could create more opportunities for its developing passing game. In a recent game against Tampa Bay, Rodgers completed 33 of 49 attempts, producing 253 yards and two touchdowns despite a difficult first three quarters. Additional protection would give head coach Mike McCarthy the freedom to incorporate deeper passing concepts while supporting a rushing attack that has struggled to control games consistently.
Pittsburgh's deadline strategy should match its competitive window
The Steelers' comeback against Tampa Bay showcased the importance of their experience, with Rodgers leading multiple scoring drives after the offense had struggled for much of the afternoon. Jamel Dean also made a crucial interception against his former team, which set up Pittsburgh's late go-ahead field goal.
The veteran player later reflected on the emotional significance of facing Todd Bowles, whose coaching had greatly influenced his development during his seven seasons in Tampa Bay. These contributions helped Pittsburgh secure a vital victory, but the challenges leading up to the comeback highlight the need for greater consistency as the schedule grows more demanding. The Steelers have focused on investing in veteran leadership while still developing younger players, leaving Khan responsible for finding new additions that support both goals.
Particular attention is needed for receiving depth, as injuries have limited the number of established options available to Rodgers. Additionally, ensuring dependable offensive-line protection could help Pittsburgh sustain its recent progress. The AFC North remains highly competitive, and the upcoming weeks will provide a clearer picture of how much the Steelers can improve internally before deciding to commit additional resources.
Pittsburgh has already shown enough resilience to remain competitive, but a carefully selected acquisition could provide McCarthy with a more reliable offensive rotation and enhance the team's ability to maintain production against tougher opponents.