6 players Steelers should trade for before training camp

Kaden Smith

On paper, landing a 12-game starter at tight end last season would seem like a rich investment for a Steelers team that would likely only use Kaden Smith as a blocking tight end, but the Giants clearly don’t think much of him. Despite a moderate amount of success given his lack of athleticism and receiving ability, Smith has recorded 380 yards receiving and three touchdowns over his first two seasons with the Giants.

His role is set to sink through, as Evan Engram will resume his role as the starter while the newly signed Kyle Rudolph will be the top backup option. This leaves Smith in a tough place, as his roles from the previous two seasons will likely vanish. This could cause the Steelers to come calling, as landing a great blocker for cheap is an underrated need for this team right now.

As for compensation, it likely wouldn’t be much. Levine Toilolo can fill in as the blocker for the Giants making Smith extremely expendable. A swap of late-round picks or even offering a defensive lineman like Isaiah Buggs could be enough to land Smith. While he wouldn’t be much of a receiving threat, he can serve as the best blocking tight end for the Steelers while also being a safety valve if needed. Important to note, he would be under contract for two more seasons as well, meaning the Steelers would have two returning tight ends to the room when Eric Ebron likely departs next season.