The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten off to a 4-1 start this season and have grabbed an early stranglehold on the AFC North, but it’s also clear the team has some holes.

Most notably, the Steelers have an issue at wide receiver, where there really isn’t much behind D.K. Metcalf. That’s especially with Calvin Austin III nursing a shoulder injury.

For that reason, Pittsburgh is widely viewed as a potential landing spot for a receiver between now and the NFL trade deadline, and Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has linked the Steelers to an absolutely blockbuster answer: A.J. Brown.

In Benjamin’s proposed deal, Pittsburgh would send tight end Pat Freiermuth, linebacker Alex Highsmith and a third-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Brown.

Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.

“Why on Earth would the Steelers deal for Brown when they already spent picks and big money to land Brown’s former college teammate, D.K. Metcalf, this offseason? Because they’re all in on winning with Aaron Rodgers this year, and their 4-1 start suggests they’ll remain aggressive in roster-building,” Benjamin wrote.

Brown seems a bit disgruntled in Philadelphia right now. He expressed displeasure with his role by making a pointed social media post following the Eagles’ Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then appeared to quit on a route in the team’s loss to the Denver Broncos a week later. He also looked rather despondent on the sideline during Philadelphia’s Week 6 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants.

This has resulted in rampant speculation that Brown could be dealt, although the Eagles have not yet given any indication they would be willing to move him.

If they do decide to field offers for the three-time Pro Bowler, Pittsburgh would comprise a fantastic landing spot. Yes, the Steelers typically don’t swing major trades for receivers, which was why even their deal — and subsequent extension — for Metcalf was pretty jarring.

But perhaps Pittsburgh would make an exception given its circumstances in 2025. The Steelers are almost certainly legitimate contenders, and Brown could put them over the top.