It’s been quiet — almost too quiet — in the Aaron Rodgers-led era of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And maybe that’s a good thing. After all, it’s been nothing like the circus that followed his short-lived stint with the New York Jets. In fact, Pittsburgh quietly looks like one of the best teams in the AFC, sitting at 4-1.
With the AFC North dealing with a rash of quarterback injuries, Rodgers has been the division’s lone constant. If that stability holds, the Steelers could make a big splash before the November 1 trade deadline — and give Rodgers another elite weapon.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin floated one trade idea that’s raised plenty of eyebrows: the Steelers sending tight end Pat Freiermuth, linebacker Alex Highsmith, and a 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.
It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Steelers’ offense could use an upgrade, ranking 30th in total offense (263.5 yards per game) and 27th in passing (183.5 yards per game) through Week 6. They’re middle of the pack in scoring (16th) at 24 points per game.
But the real question is whether Philadelphia would even consider moving Brown. The three-time Pro Bowler doesn’t seem thrilled lately, and tension between him and the organization has been simmering.
Why the Steelers Would Trade for A.J. Brown
Adding Brown — who has 50 career touchdown catches — would give Rodgers another dynamic pass catcher to line up opposite DK Metcalf, creating one of the NFL’s most explosive receiving duos.
“Why on Earth would the Steelers deal for Brown when they already spent picks and big money to land Brown’s former college teammate, DK Metcalf, this offseason?” Benjamin wrote. “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.”
Metcalf has already been a hit in Pittsburgh, leading the team with four touchdown catches. But outside of him, the passing game has been limited. Calvin Austin III has two touchdowns, while running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Jonnu Smith each have one.
Why the Steelers Would Trade Pat Freiermuth and Alex Highsmith
Trading Freiermuth and Highsmith would be bold but understandable. Freiermuth’s role has shrunk with the addition of Jonnu Smith, who came over in the offseason and has deep ties to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from their days together with the Atlanta Falcons.
“Freiermuth doesn’t have a major role in Steel City anymore, but he might offer both blocking and pass-catching depth as a potential Dallas Goedert successor,” Benjamin noted.
Through six games, Jonnu Smith has 17 receptions on 20 targets for 89 yards and a touchdown. Freiermuth, meanwhile, has just eight catches for 76 yards and no scores.
As for Highsmith, Pittsburgh’s front seven is loaded with T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and others — giving the team some flexibility.
“Highsmith, meanwhile, is often nicked up but a proven edge rusher (29 sacks, 56 quarterback hits since 2022) to help fill the Eagles’ blatant need there,” Benjamin added. “Philadelphia might also send one of its own reserve pass-rushers, like Azeez Ojulari, back to Pittsburgh in this scenario.”
If the Steelers truly believe they’re Super Bowl contenders with Rodgers, this is the kind of aggressive move that could push them over the top — and make a loaded AFC even more interesting down the stretch.
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