Steelers Offense One Weapon Away From Contention

A.J. Brown could be the missing link

 

By Ryan Schneider | Steelers HQ

 

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense looked in sync this past weekend, when Aaron Rodgers and company held on to an impressive 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The prized summer acquisition, D.K. Metcalf, looked unstoppable as he glided past defenders for an 80-yard touchdown. Still, this offense lacks the ability to close out games. If Omar Khan were to pull the trigger on A.J. Brown, the questions about this offense’s WR2 would cease to exist. That conversation certainly gets more interesting after the hospitalization of Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin. Making this move would instantly move the Pittsburgh Steelers into one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. 

 

 

A.J. Brown’s Cryptic Tweet

 

After the Philadelphia Eagles game on Sunday, star receiver A.J. Brown took to X to post the following:

 

 

“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”

 

Now, A.J. Brown did quickly clarify his statement in the following days, stating that his post was a mere boiling point for him, and in no way was this directed at his team or other Eagles personnel. 

 

This song and dance has been seen many times with star players growing frustrated with their current setting and seeking a trade. In many of these instances, the public relations aspect immediately kicks in and the player apologizes.  There is a very real chance that A.J. Brown is done with the Eagles and wants a fresh start. 

 

 

Do the Steelers and Omar Khan make this move?

 

As much as this move makes football sense for the Steelers, I don’t believe Omar Khan wants to put together the high-value assets to acquire this star receiver. One player I keep hearing in trade talks for A.J. Brown would be edge rusher Alex Highsmith. Would Khan put together a package consisting of Alex Highsmith and a 3^rd round pick? Would Calvin Austin and multiple draft picks satisfy the Eagles? 

 

Another thing Omar Khan needs to consider is the salary aspect of A.J. Brown. In 2024, he signed a 3-year, $96 million contract extension with the Eagles, with a cap hit of $17,523,497 in 2025. This extension ends in 2030, when A.J. Brown will be a free agent. 

 

If the Pittsburgh Steelers decide on moving forward with this proposal, it will be a long-term move, with A.J. and D.K. as two cornerstones in the years to come. Do the Steelers go all in here and risk the future by giving up valuable draft assets and key defenders? One could argue they could have both if done correctly.