Still Curtain
FanSided

Trades the Pittsburgh Steelers should pursue during the new league year

By Christian Brown

PITTSBURGH - APRIL 19: Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks during a press conference following practice on April 19, 2010 at the Pittsburgh Steelers South Side training facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - APRIL 19: Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks during a press conference following practice on April 19, 2010 at the Pittsburgh Steelers South Side training facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 06: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is visible upset after Mason Rudolph #2 (not pictured) was knocked out of the game in the third quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 06: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is visible upset after Mason Rudolph #2 (not pictured) was knocked out of the game in the third quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on October 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Receiving options

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a rough time moving the ball throughout the 2019 season: Whether it was through the air, or on the ground. The Steelers were ranked thirty-first in passing yards per game, and twenty-ninth in rushing yards per game.

Ben Roethlisberger‘s season-ending elbow injury drastically impacted the team’s performance on both statistical categories, but the season also showed that Pittsburgh needs more reliable receiving options on the depth chart. In particular, the Steelers need a number four wide receiver who can provide a real spark off the bench. The team also needs added depth, and value to the tight end position.

Number four receiving option

Tajae Sharpe has been with the Tennessee Titans since being drafted by the franchise in 2016. I believe Sharpe could be a reliable option going forward for the Pittsburgh Steelers if they were to acquire the 25-year old from the Titans. His ability to extend plays is what sold me on the 6’2 Titan.

To me, there is a sense that the former fifth-round selection has been underutilized since joining Tennessee. Whether it had been the inconsistent play from his former quarterback Marcus Mariota, or the Titans never-ending cycle of offensive coordinators: The former Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver’s stats are well below average since entering the league as seen below.

Tajae Sharpe career stats Targets Rec. TD’s Catch %
2016 83 41 2 49.40%
2017 47 26 2 55.30%
2019 35 25 4 71.40%

Tajae Sharpe’s efficient 2019 season

The statistical category I would like to draw your attention to is Tajae Sharpe’s catch percentage. Even with limited opportunities during the 2019 NFL season, Sharpe made the most of each time he took the field. The wide receiver had an efficient catch percentage of 71.40%, which I believe is contributed by the Tennessee Titans making the switch to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback.

I not only believe that Sharpe can provide that spark as the Pittsburgh Steelers number four receiver, but the team can also spark a turnaround in the player’s career. This trade would be a cheap, low-risk move nonetheless.

Home/Steelers News