4 players Steelers would love to poach in the AFC North before deadline
By Tommy Jaggi
The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching and here are four players the Pittsburgh Steelers would love to poach from AFC North rivals.
It’s not every day that you see trades within the division. But it’s also not unheard of. Just last year, the Steelers executed a trade with the Ravens that sent Chris Wormley to Pittsburgh in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
With the November 2nd NFL trade deadline coming up quick, teams — even within the division — might be willing to part with players who either haven’t panned out well for them or haven’t earned much playing time due to depth purposes. Here are four somewhat realistic players the Pittsburgh Steelers would love to poach from division rivals before the trade deadline:
Steelers could trade for Browns CB Greedy Williams
Here’s a plater that some had as a first-round prospect entering the NFL Draft. Though Greedy Williams is a bit stiff-hipped, he’s got terrific length and long speed to stick with wide receivers down the field.
Despite being a second-round pick back in 2019, things have gone downhill after his rookie season. Williams started 12 games as a rookie, but injuries got in the way. He missed the entire 2020 season, but now that he’s healthy, he’s playing just 48 percent of defensive snaps for the Browns, via Pro Football Reference.
Cleveland has other young defensive backs they really like, and Greedy Williams could be made available for trade. For the Steelers, Joe Haden will be gone following the 2021 season, and James Pierre may not be a long-term answer.
Williams has graded out remarkably well this year in a part-time role and has the talent and tools to be a starting outside cornerback in the NFL. He still has another cheap year remaining on his rookie contract and he could likely be purchased for a mid-round pick.