Behind the Steel Curtain on Josh Downs

ArticleShould the Steelers be buyers at the trade deadline?
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If the Steelers insist on trading for a receiver, Downs is my preferred one. Not only is Downs still a young player, but he also has a skill set that the Steelers' receiver corps largely lacks: the ability to consistently beat man coverage.
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Downs is the preferred WR trade target for Steelers; beats man coverage and fits Rodgers' short-range game.

The source identifies Downs as the preferred trade target among receivers for the Steelers, citing his youth and skill set that the Steelers' receiver corps lacks: the ability to consistently beat man coverage. At 5'9" and 171 pounds, Downs is a less rigid mover than Roman Wilson and can get open quickly underneath, which aligns with Aaron Rodgers' targeting preferences. Downs is on an expiring rookie contract, complicating retention beyond 2026, but the source argues he makes more sense than trading for a vertical route runner when the Steelers already have DK Metcalf and Marquez Valdes-Scantling available.

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