4 players Steelers would love to poach in the AFC North before deadline

Steelers could trade for Ravens NT Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams is a player who used to eat interior offensive lineman alive. Though he was never much of a pass rusher, the 6’1”, 336-pound nose tackle swallowed up rushing attacks with his leverage and unmatched strength in the middle.

These days, Williams isn’t the same Pro Bowl run-stuffer he used to be, but it’s for this reason that a division rival could potentially make him up for grabs to a team like the Steelers. This year, the Ravens have been using a heavy defensive line rotation next to Calais Campbell in the middle with players like Justin Madubuike and Justin Ellis carving out significant roles.

While Baltimore wouldn’t save a penny on trading away Williams’ salary this year, he becomes an unrestricted free agent following the 2021 season anyway. Because he hasn’t performed very well this year, the Ravens might be willing to deal him for a late-round pick.

Pittsburgh has had some issues slowing down the run so far this season, and the absence of Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu no doubt hurt this defense. Trading for a seldom-used capable run-stuffer could be just what the doctor ordered.