Buy or Sell: 5 Steelers to keep or ship before the NFL trade deadline
By Tommy Jaggi
Steelers OT Chukwuma Okorafor: Sell
Some might think this is a little gutsy trading away your starting right tackle. However, I would argue that now is the time to sell on Chukwuma Okorafor. Though Chuks certainly isn’t having a great season, he is still just 24 years old and has started 20 games since the start of the 2020 season.
Okorafor’s youth and versatility combined with starting experience could make him a trade candidate for a team desperately lacking offensive line depth. Sure, you could argue that the Steelers are in the same predicament, but if the plan is to start Zach Banner at right tackle soon, now could be the time to sell before it is too late.
In my opinion, Banner is more suited to play right tackle thanks to his frame and ability to hold up against the run. Meanwhile, I see no reason at all why Pittsburgh would consider replacing Dan Moore with Okorafor at left tackle. Moore is younger with more upside and has flashed as a rookie.
The Steelers also have a capable veteran in Joe Haeg who could operate as their swing tackle for the remainder of the season. Pittsburgh is going to lose Okorafor in free agency next offseason anyway. They might as well get a day-three pick out of him if the plan is to have Zach Banner starting soon.