Falling short always stings, but missing an opportunity hurts a little more. For Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers, there aren’t many more chances they can afford to miss—especially after news broke that the Las Vegas Raiders had traded wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars just hours before the NFL trade deadline.
It was a crushing moment for fans who believed this was the move the front office needed to make.
Pittsburgh, already battling inconsistency on offense, appeared poised to finally land a reliable weapon for All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers throwing 17 touchdowns so far this season—tied for third-most in the league—the Steelers have proven they can score. But even with his brilliance, it’s clear that more help is needed.
Now, with Meyers off the board, the Steelers are back at the drawing table, facing another round of tough questions about their decision-making. Once again, they’re left watching another team improve while they remain stuck in the middle.
The frustration among fans is understandable.
After all, this is the same front office that allowed George Pickens to walk earlier this offseason without a clear replacement plan. Rodgers’ timing and accuracy can only do so much when his receiver corps lacks consistency and depth.
There’s a growing sense that the Steelers are too often one step behind when it comes to adding offensive talent, and missing out on Meyers feels like another misstep in a season where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Of course, the NFL is a business—fast, unpredictable, and at times ruthless. Still, this particular miss is hard to justify. Pittsburgh had reportedly been monitoring Meyers for months, according to several league insiders. The 28-year-old receiver seemed to fit perfectly into what the Steelers needed: a dependable route-runner, a strong possession receiver, and someone capable of stretching the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers missing out on Jakobi Meyers may have been a blessing in disguise
So how did the Steelers let him slip away?
The likely answer lies in the cost. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jacksonville acquired Meyers for a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick. While that price might seem manageable for a player with 20 career touchdowns, it’s also a hefty tag for a franchise that just endured one of its most expensive offseasons in recent memory. Khan and his front office may have felt the long-term risk outweighed the short-term reward.
Still, that reasoning doesn’t erase the sting. It’s a bitter reminder of how quickly opportunities come and go in the NFL—and how one missed trade can shift a team’s entire trajectory. The Steelers have been searching for a rhythm since Rodgers arrived, and while the chemistry is improving, there’s still an obvious void in the passing attack. Meyers would’ve filled that gap beautifully.
But not all hope is lost.
The trade market still has life, and Pittsburgh could rebound quickly if they choose to stay aggressive. Two names that have surfaced as potential alternatives are Deebo Samuel Sr. of the Washington Commanders and wideout Adonai Mitchell of the Indianapolis Colts.
Samuel, when healthy, brings explosive playmaking and versatility that fit perfectly in Mike Tomlin’s offense. Mitchell, on the other hand, offers youth, upside, and affordability—the kind of prospect that could quietly evolve into Rodgers’ next trusted target.
Missing out on Meyers hurts, no doubt about it. But sometimes, the best deals are the ones that don’t happen. Perhaps this setback will push Khan and the Steelers to reevaluate their priorities and make a smarter, more balanced move before the window closes entirely.
The season is far from over, and with Rodgers under center, Pittsburgh remains in the thick of AFC contention. However, the front office now faces the challenge of proving they can make the right call when it counts. Fans can only hope this latest disappointment becomes the lesson that sparks the next great addition—because in the NFL, opportunity rarely knocks twice.
Broncos Part Ways With All-Pro Playmaker After Trade Deadline
The Denver Broncos shook up their roster ahead of their “Thursday Night Football” showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, parting ways with veteran safety and special teams maven
J.T. Gray, after the trade deadline.
The Broncos were among the many teams that stood pat on making any trades, but Gray’s departure marked a noteworthy day to begin Week 9, nonetheless.
For the Broncos, it is the end of an era that lasted one game.
Broncos Waive Injured Former Saints S J.T. Gray
GettyJ.T. Gray #48 of the New Orleans Saints reacts following the play against the
The Broncos signed Gray to their active roster from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October ahead of their Week 7 showdown against the New York Giants
. He got into his first game with the Broncos in Week 9 against the Houston Texans.
The 2021 Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro logged 21 snaps, all on special teams,
per Pro Football Reference, but he did not record a stat.
He had been listed as a non-participant on the Broncos’ first injury report in Week 10.
“#Broncos released J.T. Gray with an injury designation, per the wire,”
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported on X on November 4. “Special teamer was up for the first time Sunday vs. Houston and injured his hamstring covering a 68-yard Jeremy Crawshaw
punt.”
Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who, along with head coach Sean Payton, had Gray with the New Orleans Saints, spoke highly of the veteran after he signed with the team.
“J.T. Gray, in the 30-plus years I’ve been coaching, is the best coverage player that I’ve coached. Last year, he was a Second Team All-Pro. He’s been three times, All-Pro in the last five years. Pro Bowler,”
Rizzi told reporters in October.
“He brings an added dimension to the coverage aspect of it. He’s a really good, well-rounded player, but coverage is what he does best. And so, listen. We had the ability to go out and get him. And, obviously, has some familiarity with our scheme, our system, obviously, with Sean and myself. And so, it just seemed like a natural “fit.”
Gray’s injury led to his release, but it was not the only notable one for the Broncos, who held a walkthrough on Tuesday after estimating practice participation on Monday.
Broncos Deliver Good News Despite Lengthy Injury Report
GettyBrandon Jones #22 of the Denver Broncos huddles with teammates before facing the Buffalo Bills.
The Broncos listed seven players as nonparticipants on Tuesday. Of that group, four progressed to l
imited sessions on Wednesday. The Broncos added kicker Wil Lutz to the list of DNPs on Wednesday, though with an illness rather than an injury.
DBs Brandon Jones (foot),
P.J. Locke (neck), and Riley Moss (ankle) all progressed.
Ditto for wide receiver and All-Pro return specialist Marvin Mims, who suffered a concussion in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys
and missed Week 8 against the Texans.
Moreover, the Broncos upgraded defensive linemen D.J. Jones (knee) and John Franklin-Myers (shoulder) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (thumb) to full sessions. There was no progress from tight end
Nate Adkins (knee) or All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II (pectoral).
The Broncos will look to earn their eighth victory of the season on Thursday against the Raiders.
The Raiders traded wide receiver
Jakobi Myers, per his request, to the Jacksonville Jaguars before the deadline. The Broncos will host the Jaguars in Week 16.
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