Potential Steelers trade scenarios ahead of the NFL trade deadline

Ronald Darby

Cornerback Denver

A lot of analysts who have given their suggestions at potential trades all seem to be linebacker heavy. It seems many are leery as to what happened in 2020 to the linebackers, and in 2021 it seems groin injuries seem to be the injury of the year. In any event, the Steelers linebackers have remained healthy. Instead of a linebacker, why not trade for a cornerback, which helps out the linebackers and defensive line. The Steelers can always use secondary help. Plus, if they trade, Joe Haden then Darby could help replace Haden.  If the Steelers keep Haden, then Darby is an extra body to add depth.

The Broncos started hot until losing two straight to the Steelers and Ravens. So it seems doubtful they would trade Darby. That aside, Darby is probably the most expendable cornerback they have. The Broncos already have Callahan, Fuller, Hairston, and rookie Patrick Surtain. At the safety position, they have Jackson, Johnson, Locke, Simmons, and Stearns. Thus trading Darby would not kill Denver defensively.

What would the Steelers give up, well that is much harder to say, Certainly draft choices, and since the Steelers cupboard is bare in 2022, it would have to be something in 2023. As far as players, It would not be conceivable, they do a cornerback swap trading Haden for Darby, but then stranger things have happened.

They could send Derrek Tuszka to Denver or perhaps Chris Wormley, Eric Ebron, or Benny Snell. It’s much harder for the Steelers to give up players; then again, the price for Darby may not be steep. Perhaps Denver trades him for only a draft pick or two.

Ultimately it’s hard to say if any trade happens; the Steelers don’t do it often. While the players on this list make sense and the trades could happen, other names have been thrown out there, such as Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, Eagles offensive lineman Andre Dillard to name some. You can find other names if you scour the internet.

Honestly, a trade for an offensive lineman would help, although they may opt to go with what they have, barring a major injury or another scenario. However, it will be interesting to see if anything does pop up between now and the trade deadline.