4 players Steelers should trade for during training camp

With the Steelers set to open training camp this week, these four trade targets make sense and should be explored sooner than later.

The Steelers open their 2021 training camp with a lot of new faces as well as some old ones set to do battle for a roster spot. While the team is relatively well built, there are still some glaring holes that can and should be addressed. The team is no stranger to training camp trades, as they will typically assess a position and add to the ones that concern them. Here are four trade targets the Steelers should consider now that training camp has opened.

Steelers should trade for Freeman

While the Steelers made a heavy investment in the running back position by way of Najee Harris in the 2021 draft, the depth behind him leaves a lot to be desired. While not a pressing need as the team will use Harris as the proverbial bell-cow back, a capable backup to spell him could reduce his expected workload and keep him fresh longer into the season. Right now, the best backup for the team is Anthony McFarland given his speed, but he is unproven at this point.

If the Steelers could land Royce Freeman on a cheap trade, they should. Freeman is built well and would fit the physical style of running back that the team covets. As well, he can catch passes out of the backfield and was a regular contributor on special teams’ last season. Given how deep the Broncos backfield is and how little value running backs tend to have in trades, a late-round pick or potentially a swap of picks could be enough to land Freeman. He would be an upgrade over the other power backs on the team and give the Steelers a capable handcuff to Harris.