INDIANAPOLIS —A player the Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to in the past is off the board, at least according to his general manager.
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone, who got the job four days before speaking at the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, said that the team has no intention of moving key receiver Christian Kirk who the Steelers have been linked to in the past.
"No, I wouldn't say that," Gladstone said. "We're just starting the conversations about our current roster across (our) pro scouting and coaching staff, as well as working in pro-free agent-related dialogue. So at this point in time, I can say that we're happy to have Christian."
The Steelers were reportedly nearing a deal for Kirk in October, near the trade deadline. Kirk suffered a season-ending collarbone injury Oct. 27, thus blowing up those plans. Fast forward to February, and another report surfaced that Kirk could be hitting the trade market again, which would make sense considering this is the last season of his four-year, $72 million dollar deal.
If Kirk is indeed off the table, that's a blow for the Steelers. For one, Kirk has been quite productive in the past, his best season coming in 2022 when he went for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns on 84 receptions. The Steelers also need receivers.
It was no secret to anybody who followed the team last season that the production behind WR1 George Pickens wasn't optimal. Aside from Pickens, the only receiver to eclipse 300 yards was Calvin Austin, who had 548.
The Steelers do have other trade options. The team has been linked to Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams and Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers .
The team could also look to the draft, where Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka could be available when the Steelers pick at No. 21.
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