1. Steelers not getting a good return for Melvin Ingram
Let me start off by saying the team probably didn’t receive a better offer for Melvin Ingram or else they would have accepted it. However, it’s disappointing that the team couldn’t get more than a sixth-round pick in exchange for an edge rusher who has shown this season that he still has plenty left in the tank.
After the Broncos were able to acquire a pick in both the second and third rounds of this year’s draft for Von Miller, many expected the Steelers to be able to get back more in a trade for Ingram. Not that Ingram is on par with Miller, because Miller is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, who is still playing at a high level, but it’s surprising that the return he commanded didn’t drive Ingram’s price up at least a little.
Additionally, trading Ingram in conference to the Kansas City Chiefs, who the Steelers are competing for a playoff spot with, and still have to play against was not ideal. Once again, the team’s hand was likely forced as they would’ve taken a better offer if there was one. In the end, the team decided they just needed to get something in exchange for Ingram, as his request to leave would have likely caused more issues than it was worth.
While the team’s deadline was disappointing, they are still sitting as a playoff team if the season ended today. With Tuitt hopefully returning soon, and the potential to hit free agency for some added depth, the Steelers can survive their disappointing trade deadline and make a playoff push.