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3 players the Steelers should look to trade before the start of the season

By Tommy Jaggi

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns a punt during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Ryan Switzer #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns a punt during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on October 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Artie Burns, CB

I’ve been proposing this one for a while now because it makes sense on a number of levels. Artie Burns was a former first round draft choice, and as such, he holds trade value that the other two players on this list do not.

Burns has performed remarkably well in his first two preseason games, and had a solid camp this year. Though these are good signs for the Steelers, Burns is a player who stands little chance to be successful if he remains in Pittsburgh.

Artie Burns didn’t play with any confidence last year, and the fact the Steelers brought in Steven Nelson and Justin Layne isn’t going to help that.

Burns and the Steelers both could use a fresh start. We have seen teams trade first round cornerbacks on their rookie deals before. The Giants did this last year with Eli Apple (who was drafted in the same year as Burns).

Apple went on to start 10 games for the Saints and had two interceptions.

Teams are always intrigued by the first round status a player carries – even if they haven’t been great. Burns would hold some trade value and allow the Steelers to acquire a late-round draft choice or a player who could contribute this year.

Next. Steelers stock rising/falling after week two of preseason. dark

Trades just weeks before the start of the season are actually more common than you might think. The Steelers have done this a few times now, and it has worked out in their favor. Though Switzer and Burns are on track to make the roster, swapping them for a player who could see the field more might be the right move.

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