Specifically, 29-year-old pass rusher Alex Highsmith has emerged as a high-value subject of external trade interest. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero detailed the dynamic surrounding Pittsburgh’s edge rotation, noting that while the Steelers have historically closed the door on trading Highsmith, their current depth chart could spark renewed negotiations.

“Other teams have inquired about trading for Highsmith since last year, and the Steelers’ answer has always been no. But they currently have a logjam at edge rusher, with T.J. Watt turning back the clock with his stellar performance this season at age 32, while younger players Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer have part-time roles. Highsmith is still in his prime at age 29 and figures to be the subject of more calls leading up to the deadline.”

Inside Pittsburgh’s pass-rushing logjam

Alex Highsmith’s availability on the trade market is driven by roster structure rather than a decline in performance. In his prime at 29 years old, Highsmith remains a complete, physical edge defender capable of starting for the majority of NFL franchises. However, several organizational factors make his situation compelling to rival general managers:

• T.J. Watt’s Dominance: At age 32, four-time All-Pro T.J. Watt continues to play at a Defensive Player of the Year level, anchoring Pittsburgh’s primary pass-rushing snaps.
• Emergence of Young Talent: Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer have flashed elite pressure metrics in situational roles, proving the defense has capable, high-upside depth behind the starter core.
• Cap Flexibility & Market Value: With Highsmith under contract through 2027 at a manageable rate relative to rising market prices, acquiring teams view him as a long-term starter rather than a short-term rental.

Will Omar Khan listen to trade deadline offers?

Pittsburgh’s primary objective remains competing in the AFC playoffs, making a mid-season trade of an established defender like Highsmith unlikely unless an interested buyer presents a premium proposal.

However, if a contender desperate for pass-rushing help offers high draft capital—or a player-for-player package that addresses Pittsburgh’s internal roster needs—Khan could weigh long-term flexibility against current rotational depth.

With the November 10 deadline approaching, Highsmith stands as one of the most intriguing defensive names to monitor across the league.

Key takeaways

• Tom Pelissero reports Alex Highsmith is expected to draw trade inquiries ahead of the NFL deadline due to Pittsburgh’s edge rusher depth.
• The combination of T.J. Watt’s elite play and the development of Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer creates operational flexibility for Pittsburgh.
• Because Highsmith is in his prime and under contract through 2027, the Steelers hold complete leverage in any potential negotiations.

Despite a stellar rookie campaign where he amassed over 1,200 receiving yards, Thomas has seen his role fluctuate in Jacksonville’s offense this season, leading to growing frustration and relentless trade speculation. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler provided a comprehensive breakdown of the market for Thomas, identifying two premier AFC contenders actively exploring receiver help.

“You have teams in the WR market like the Chiefs or the Steelers. Here’s how this could play out: the Jaguars have not totally committed to trading Brian Thomas right now. He’s in and out of the lineup. He would welcome a change at this point most likely. Teams are certainly interested.”

Why timing is critical for a Brian Thomas Jr. trade

For competing front offices hoping to land Brian Thomas Jr., patience and timing will dictate how quickly negotiations unfold. Jacksonville faces a condensed game schedule that temporarily pauses major transactional moves. Fowler highlighted the specific calendar window that could spark official trade talks:

“They play Sunday and then Thursday night again against the Ravens,” Fowler noted. “So, nothing would happen before then most likely. But after that, things could heat up.”

With Jacksonville playing on Sunday vs. the Colts before turning around for a Thursday Night Football clash against Baltimore, interim trade discussions are expected to remain on hold until Friday, November 6. That leaves a tight, high-pressure four-day window prior to the official November 10 deadline for interested general managers to finalize a deal.

Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers monitoring the market

Both Kansas City and Pittsburgh represent logical, high-impact landing spots for Thomas:

• Kansas City Chiefs: Continually seeking dynamic vertical playmakers to expand their passing attack, Kansas City views Thomas as a buy-low asset with game-changing upside.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Searching for consistent perimeter speed to complement their offense, Pittsburgh has maintained active interest in acquiring young wide receiver talent under contract. They need help for Aaron Rodgers.

If Thomas capitalizes on his remaining opportunities before the Thursday night game, his market value will peak just as the post-game trading window officially opens.

Key takeaways

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
• Thomas “would welcome a change” after experiencing inconsistent snap counts in Jacksonville’s rotation.
• Trade talks are expected to heat up immediately after Jacksonville’s Thursday night game against the Ravens, giving suitors a brief four-day window before the Nov. 10 deadline.

Speaking in his postgame interview on NFL Network, Rodgers refused to sugarcoat the unit’s operational struggles despite walking away with the international win.

“I don’t think we played very good on offense today. Credit to their defense, but we got a lot to work on. They’re a 2-5 team, we’re a 5-2 team, but we’re not playing as well as we can at this point. Our defense obviously played great. We were really bad in the red zone. We got to clean that up. Too many penalties. However, it is hard to win in this league. It’s a gutsy win for us, but we got to play better.”

What’s Steelers’ next game?

Aaron Rodgers’ urgent message arrives at a critical juncture in Pittsburgh’s season schedule. Next Sunday, the Steelers return home to Acrisure Stadium for a high-stakes divisional battle against the Cleveland Browns, with sole possession of first place in the AFC North hanging in the balance.

The upcoming matchup carries immense tiebreaker implications across the division. The Browns claimed the first head-to-head meeting between both franchises earlier this season, putting extra pressure on Pittsburgh to respond on home turf

A win for Cleveland would complete a season sweep, granting the Browns the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over Pittsburgh in the AFC North standings. To counter Todd Monken’s aggressive front seven, Rodgers and the offense must fix the red-zone penalties and execution lulls that limited their scoring output in Paris.

If the Steelers heed Rodgers’ warning and iron out their offensive execution, they have an opportunity to solidify their division lead and build sustainable momentum for the second half of the 2026 campaign.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Rodgers warned that the Steelers “got a lot to work on” despite their 16-10 victory over the Saints in Paris.
• Rodgers cited red-zone inefficiency and costly penalties as primary areas requiring immediate improvement.
• The 5-2 Steelers host the Cleveland Browns next Sunday with sole possession of first place and critical tiebreaker leverage in the AFC North on the line.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian star returned to the Paris venue just 18 months after making history there as the first African artist to headline a solo concert. The performance gave fans a short but high-energy taste of his catalog.

The game marks the NFL’s first regular-season contest in France. Fans tuning in for the music, however, are particularly interested in one detail: which songs did he perform during his Paris halftime set?

What song did Burna Boy perform at the Saints vs. Steelers halftime show?

Burna Boy opened his halftime performance at Stade de France with “4 Kampe II”, setting the tone for his appearance during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints matchup in the 2026 NFL Paris Game.

“4 Kampe II” is a collaboration between him and French-Haitian artist Joe Dwet File, released on March 27, 2025. The track is a remix of Dwet File’s original “4 Kampe”, which went viral thanks to its infectious rhythm and the dance trend it inspired on social media.

The track blends Afrobeats with kompa, a music genre originating in Haiti, incorporating dancehall influences and Caribbean sounds. The mix is also reflected in the vocals: Burna Boy sings in English, French and Haitian Creole.

What does “Kampe” mean?

The term is associated with Haitian Creole and the expression behind the original song’s title. Its meaning is related to standing firm or holding one’s ground, although the exact meaning of the phrase in the chorus depends on its context and colloquial usage. In the song, it primarily serves as a catchy phrase that complements the rhythm and danceable beat.

Although it was recently reported that Shough has been playing with two broken bones in his non-throwing hand, he will suit up for the game. His primary backup will be Spencer Rattler, with Zach Wilson further down the depth chart.

In Steelers Nation, A-Rod seems to have his back well covered in the event of an eventuality. Mason Rudolph is his main backup, while Will Howard appears further down the depth chart. Finally, rookie Drew Allar is the last one listed.

Shough’s ups and downs this season

Through six games, Shough has posted a solid 1,443 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions with a 65.1% completion rate and a 90.1 passer rating. The ups have been absolute fireworks—he blew up week 1 with a huge 410-yard, 3-TD performance against Detroit and lit up Las Vegas for 4 passing TDs, showing serious arm talent and clutch plays.

But the downs hit just as hard: he crashed in Week 5 against Minnesota’s defense with a rough 96-yard, 2-INT nightmare (a painful 38.1 passer rating) and has had a few costly turnover/fumble games. Overall, he’s showing huge potential and high-volume output, but the inconsistency is keeping Saints fans right on the edge of their seats.

Rodgers remains a force

Even at 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers is still proving he’s got plenty of magic left in the tank during this 2026 season. Through six games under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s racked up 1,487 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions with a 61.4% completion rate and an 88.0 passer rating.

He might not be scrambling around out of the pocket like he used to, but his elite pre-snap reads, lightning-quick release, and veteran poise keep defenses guessing every single week. Whether he’s orchestrating late-game comebacks or dropping precise dimes in the red zone, Rodgers continues to defy Father Time and show that pure football IQ and high-level arm talent never really go out of style.

Key takeaways

• Tyler Shough starts at quarterback for the Saints despite playing with broken hand bones.
• Aaron Rodgers will start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Saints.
• Saints quarterback Tyler Shough posted 1,443 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

For fans in the United States, the game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM ET, making it an early start to Sunday football. Paris will be six hours ahead of Eastern Time on game day (Sunday, October 25, 2026).

The Saints enter the international spotlight with a connection to France that goes beyond football, given Louisiana’s French heritage and New Orleans’ cultural roots. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, played in Dublin during the 2025 season.

How to watch Saints vs. Steelers in the United States

The New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game will air live on NFL Network in the United States. For fans who prefer to stream directly, NFL+ is another official option.

The NFL’s viewing guide lists NFL+ as a way for U.S. fans to watch live games on supported devices, including phones, tablets, web browsers and connected TVs. Availability can depend on the type of game and device.

Kickoff is set for 9:30 AM ET, which corresponds to 8:30 AM CT, 7:30 AM MT and 6:30 AM PT. That early start gives American fans a chance to watch the international matchup before the usual Sunday afternoon NFL window.

Key takeaways

• Kickoff in Paris is set for 2:30 PM local time for Saints vs Steelers.
• Early U.S. broadcast starts at 9:30 AM ET on game day (Sunday, October 25).
• Live coverage in U.S. airs on NFL Network and streams on NFL+.

According to NFL executive Brett Gosper, around 70% of tickets were purchased locally, while approximately 20% of attendees were expected to travel from the United States and another 10% from elsewhere in Europe.

The league has said it does not formally announce sellouts, but he confirmed the stadium would be full. The game marks the league’s first regular-season contest in France, adding a new European destination to its international schedule.

What is the capacity of Stade de France for Saints vs. Steelers?

Stade de France will use its full capacity to host NFL fans, who will come from all over the world for the Steelers vs. Saints, the first game in France. The stadium can accommodate up to 82,000 fans in its seats.

Located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, Stade de France is the country’s largest stadium. Opened in 1998, it has hosted major international events, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, UEFA Champions League finals and competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The league is bringing American football to one of Europe’s most prominent sporting venues as part of its continued international expansion, with the game scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local time).

Key takeaways

• Approximately 82,000 fans are expected at Stade de France for Saints vs. Steelers.
• Around 70% of tickets were purchased locally, according to NFL executive Brett Gosper.
• The game marks the NFL’s first regular-season contest in France.

The Week 7 game is part of the NFL’s broader international expansion, which will feature a record nine regular-season games outside the United States during the 2026 season.

The choice of the Saints as the designated home team also carries a historical connection. Louisiana has deep French roots, and the franchise has previously played regular-season games in London in 2008, 2017 and 2022.

Why is the NFL playing a game in Paris, France, in 2026?

The NFL is playing a game in Paris in 2026 to expand its international presence and connect with a growing fan base in France, with the New Orleans Saints facing the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 25, at the Stade de France.

The NFL is also expanding into new markets in Melbourne, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while returning to established international destinations such as London, Munich and Mexico City.

The strategy gives the league opportunities to reach fans beyond the United States and build interest in American football through live games and year-round initiatives. France already represents an important market for the league.

According to the NFL’s announcement, the country has more than 14 million fans, while its NFL Flag youth program, launched in partnership with the French American Football Federation in 2023, reaches more than 8,000 boys and girls.

The venue also makes the occasion significant. Located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, the Stade de France is the country’s largest stadium and has hosted major international sporting events, including matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Why were the Saints and Steelers chosen for the Paris game?

The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers were selected for the Paris game as part of the NFL’s international expansion strategy, with New Orleans serving as the designated home team and Pittsburgh traveling as the visitor.

The league confirmed the matchup in May 2026. The selection also gives the Saints an opportunity to represent a franchise with deep historical ties to France, while the Steelers return overseas after playing in Ireland in 2025.

The Saints were a natural fit for the occasion because of Louisiana’s French heritage. The state was originally a French colony, and the cultural connection remains visible throughout New Orleans.

Key takeaways

• First regular-season game in France features the Saints and Steelers on October 25.
• Record nine international games will take place during the 2026 NFL regular season.
• Over 14 million French fans represent a key growth market for the NFL.

The game kicks off at 9:30 AM ET, giving fans in the U.S. an early start to Week 7. As Pittsburgh and New Orleans battle in Paris, the Nigerian superstar will provide the main musical attraction at the midway point of the historic matchup.

The league’s standard halftime interval is 13 minutes, meaning the Nigerian artist’s appearance will occupy only part of the break before Mike McCarthy‘s team and Kellen Moore‘s side return to the field.

Will Burna Boy’s show fit within the NFL’s 13-minute break?

Burna Boy’s halftime show is expected to last between 3 and 5 minutes, fitting within the NFL’s standard 13-minute halftime break. However, the NFL has not officially confirmed the set’s exact duration.

The NFL’s Football Operations guidelines state that halftime lasts exactly 13 minutes unless the league informs the teams and referee otherwise. That window includes the transition between the second and third quarters, so the musical performance must fit into the scheduled break.

His appearance is part of the NFL’s biggest international halftime lineup to date, with seven headline performances scheduled across seven countries during the 2026 season. His Paris performance also marks a return to Stade de France.

How to watch Burna Boy’s halftime show in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch Burna Boy’s halftime performance during the Steelers vs. Saints game on NFL Network, with streaming available through NFL+. The game is scheduled for Sunday, live from Stade de France in Paris.

Key takeaways

• Burna Boy will headline the halftime show at the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints game.
• The performance is expected to last between 3 and 5 minutes during halftime.
• The 2026 international schedule features seven headline performances across seven countries.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 AM ET. While that gives fans a clear starting point, those tuning in specifically for Burna Boy will have to wait until halftime, with the exact performance time depending on the flow of the game.

For him, the appearance is also a return to a familiar stage. He made history at Stade de France in April 2025 as the first African artist to headline a solo concert at the stadium, and now he will perform there again as part of the NFL‘s first regular-season game in France.

What time is Burna Boy performing at Saints vs. Steelers?

Burna Boy is expected to take the stage at around 11:05 AM ET. The game is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 AM ET on Sunday at Stade de France in Paris, meaning the halftime show should arrive roughly 90 minutes after kickoff.

The exact time could shift depending on how long the first half lasts. The Nigerian superstar will headline the halftime show for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in France.

Since NFL games include stoppages for timeouts, commercial breaks and other clock-related situations, the first half generally takes considerably longer than the 30 minutes shown on the game clock.

How long will Burna Boy’s halftime performance last?

Burna Boy’s halftime performance at Saints vs. Steelers is expected to last around 3 to 5 minutes. The short performance window is in line with the demands of a regular-season NFL game.

The standard halftime interval is 13 minutes, leaving limited time for the artist to perform while the teams prepare to return to the field. NFL game operations guidelines require halftime entertainment to clear the field before the second half resumes.

That means fans should not expect anything close to his usual concert format. His current shows can run for more than an hour but his appearance in Paris is specifically designed as a compact NFL halftime performance.

But as anticipation builds for the October 25 matchup at Stade de France, one question goes beyond the performance itself: Will the Nigerian superstar receive a paycheck for his halftime appearance?

The NFL confirmed him as the show’s headliner in September, highlighting his international success and his history at the Paris venue, where he became the first African artist to headline a concert in April 2025.

Will Burna Boy receive a fee for the Saints vs. Steelers game?

Burna Boy is expected to perform without a conventional appearance fee, with the global exposure likely serving as a major benefit of his New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers halftime show.

The league generally does not pay Super Bowl halftime headliners a traditional performance fee. Instead, it covers production costs and, according to reporting on the Super Bowl, pays applicable union-scale fees.

Artists take the stage in front of a massive international audience, making the exposure itself a valuable opportunity to reach new listeners and potentially boost music streams, sales and concert-ticket demand.

That publicity could be especially valuable for Burna Boy, who has built an international audience through his Afrofusion sound and global touring career. In 2025, he became the first African artist to headline a concert at Stade de France.

Returning to the same venue for the NFL’s first regular-season game in France gives him another opportunity to showcase his music to a broad audience beyond his usual fan base.

Key takeaways

• Burna Boy will perform during halftime of the Steelers vs. Saints game in Paris.
• The NFL officially confirmed Burna Boy as the Paris game headliner in September.
• The performance offers massive exposure without a conventional appearance fee for the superstar.