Pittsburg, PA
Two Patriots WRs emerge as newest potential Pittsburgh Steelers trade targets
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for wide receiver help for months, and while Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III put together solid performances against the New York Giants, the team still could use another wide receiver. Names have been thrown around all month, but with the names continuing to dwindle down, there are only so many options with other teams lurking for wide receiver help.
It seems the most likely trade target for needy wide receiver teams will be former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson, but because of NFL rules, the Steelers are prohibited from trading for Johnson.
However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the New England Patriots plan to sell. The Patriots are reportedly looking to sell off veteran players, just as they did with pass rusher Josh Uche on Monday.
Rapoport states that wide receivers K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne could both be on the move. The Patriots would need a more significant package to move on from Bourne, who is returning from a torn ACL suffered last year. Osborn signed a one-year deal with the Patriots after flourishing in Minnesota; however, in seven games, he has just 77 receiving yards this season.
Osborn could be had for a late-day three pick, while Bourne will cost a bigger package than the Steelers might offer him. Either way, both players are now added to the bucket of options that the Steelers could look to make before the trade deadline.
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Pittsburg, PA
A grieving mother’s undying effort to keep her son’s spirit alive in the Strip District
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Our staff weighs in with their thoughts on the pick.
Ryland Bickley: Here’s your TE3/FB for Mike McCarthy. Nowakowski probably would’ve been a “my guy” in this draft class if I had been able to watch him more. He’s an extremely high-effort run blocker with solid mobility who should be able to find a role on offense right away. Nowakowski is a bit undersized for a tight end and his testing is just OK, but as a fullback I like the pick. We can quibble a bit with taking a returner and fullback with the team’s latest two picks, but in the fifth round you can’t complain about good football players. Grade: B+
Mike Nicastro: Nowakowski is a perfect replacement for Connor Heyward because of his versatility. He’ll play tight end, fullback, and can contribute on special teams. He played a pivotal role on Indiana’s National Championship run – the guy just feels like a winner. Although it still feels like a pick based more on need opposed to value, I like this one much better than Wetjen. Grade: B+
Alex Hanczar: Pittsburgh adds yet another big school player in the form of 2026 National Champion Riley Nowakowski. The departures of Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward led many to believe the Steelers would add depth at the position and here it is. Aside from solely playing TE, Nowakowksi will likely fill the Heyward role at the FB position. At 6-foot-two 250 pounds, I would not be surprised to see the former Hoosier lineup under center for the ‘tush push’ for the black and gold. Grade: B
Joey Bray: Welcome back Connor Heyward. In all seriousness, Riley Nowakowski is an interesting pick for the Steelers. They needed to take another tight end, but Nowakowski is more of a fullback type. He played a blocking role for Indiana last year when he did line up a tight end, although he’s 32 catches last season were more than he had in his previous four collegiate seasons combined. Nowakowski isn’t particularly fast or dynamic and doesn’t have the size to be a legit receiving threat. He is a good football player and it makes sense that Mike McCarthy would take a fullback, but taking a return man and fullback back-to-back in the mid rounds is an curious use of resources. Grade: C-
Ryan Parish: As harsh as I was on using a 4th rounder on a kick returner-only player, I’m to the moon for this selection. I highlighted Nowakowski in my Tight End draft gems list as a perfect fit for the John Kuhn/Hunter Luepke FB role in Mike McCarthy’s offense. Nowakowski is short for a tight end but perfect for a blocker for a power run scheme. He’s also gotta decent hands and tackle-breaking ability for underneath routes that should make Aaron Rodgers happy. This was a meat and potatoes pick, and yet another sign that the Steelers are veering into a gap/power running scheme. Phenomenal fit. Grade: A++
Jarrett Bailey: The Steelers were always going to take a tight end, being that they released Jonnu Smith and didn’t bring back Connor Heyward. Nowakowski will play that Heyward role. Special teams and No. 3 tight end/fullback. Not great. Not abysmal. Fine. Grade: C
Pittsburg, PA
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