PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers are negotiating with the game's best running back on a long-term contract and managing a tight salary cap that will likely require the release of multiple veterans.

Yet one of the biggest stories surrounding the team this week was the growing chatter involving Martavis Bryant, who wanted out of Pittsburgh at midseason only to reverse course with expressed optimism for 2018 after the playoff loss to Jacksonville.

After talking with several people around the league, there's minimal buzz that the Steelers are actively shopping Bryant. But that doesn't mean they aren't at least listening, as NFL Network reports. The Steelers are smart enough to field calls on the talented receiver.

It's important to prioritize this reality: Bryant and the Steelers have not had any discussions about a contract extension. Bryant is a free agent in 2019, and if both parties were in an ideal spot, the possibility of a short re-up or long-term pact could have been broached by now, even if the Steelers typically wait until the summer to finalize business.

Pittsburgh hasn't made any overtures on a modest bridge contract, in part because they aren't sure what they'll get from him and also because Bryant doesn't have plans to sign. He's made clear he wants to be a No. 1 receiver, and that has to happen elsewhere. If you're looking for a potential trade catalyst, that's it.

The Steelers don't want Bryant causing any problems in 2018.

It wouldn't be a surprise if Bryant sat out offseason workouts to crystallize his frustration.

Martavis Bryant and the Steelers have not had any discussions about a contract extension. Bryant is a free agent in 2019. Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

This awkward dynamic makes a trade plausible. Even if motivated to deal, though, the Steelers likely wouldn't budge without a hefty draft-pick haul. The message Bryant received at the October trade deadline was that the team felt fair compensation in exchange for Bryant's skill set was not available. The Steelers likely got offers for a fourth-round pick. That wasn't enough.

A late-second-rounder or low-third could help the Steelers -- who have been brilliant drafting receivers for much of the past decade -- identify a new vertical threat. Perhaps the Buffalo Bills, who were trying to get involved last year, could oblige.

Since that's no guarantee, trading Bryant breaks up a potent receiver triumvirate with clear roles defined: Antonio Brown the do-it-all superstar, Bryant the lanky deep threat and JuJu Smith-Schuster the inside-out option.

Smith-Schuster's historic rookie year does give the Steelers draft flexibility. He looks ready to be a No. 2 receiver. Ben Roethlisberger averaged a 134.0 passer rating when targeting Smith-Schuster last season, according to Pro Football Focus. But how would Smith-Schuster respond to a full-time transition to the outside with Bryant gone? He looks up to the challenge, but the Steelers must ask and answer that question. With Eli Rogers recovering from a torn ACL, the Steelers could run dangerously thin at a crucial position.

The Steelers' best course of action is likely to give Bryant the chance to maximize his potential in a motivating contract year. Bryant signing elsewhere in free agency would be a plus in the Steelers' compensatory pick formula for the 2019 draft. The switch to coordinator Randy Fichtner could help free up Bryant with more targets.

Either way, Bryant will be performing with a different jersey for 2019 in mind, and the Steelers pretty much know it.