With training camp just around the corner, here are five trades that would boost the Steelers 2022 season odds.
While the Steelers made a lot of high-profile moves this offseason, there are still a lot of holes remaining on this roster that need to be filled. While the team isn’t horrible right now, trading for a key player or two could really set this team over the edge. Here are five players that the Steelers should trade for before training camp.
Steelers should trade for Moss
It is no secret that the Steelers need some depth behind starting running back Najee Harris. While the former first-round pick will be a key piece of this offense, the team is lacking a capable option behind him. A name that makes a lot of sense as a potential cheap backup is the current Bills backup running back Zack Moss.
Moss entered the league with a lot of hype due to his impressive collegiate career and potential to split snaps with Devin Singletary. Inconsistencies have held him back though, and it seems clear that he isn’t capable of handling a traditional starting role. That said, he has been effective when used sparingly. He can pick up some tough yards and make some plays through the passing game.
The Bills seem content with moving on from Moss this season. They tried to sign J.D. McKissic and later on drafted James Cook in the second round of the draft. The odds that the Bills have a big role in mind for Moss seem slim. His value will be low, meaning the Steelers won’t need to trade an arm and a leg for him either. He would be an upgrade as a runner on this depth chart and give the team a capable backup to Harris if added.
Steelers should trade for Peters
A name that would be traditionally higher up on this list, Marcus Peters has had an extremely successful career to this point as an outside cornerback. He has rangy coverage skills and has a knack for collecting interceptions. The Steelers are lacking a cornerback like that on the roster, and Peters could step into the starting role right away if added.
Peters and the Ravens have had a “will they, won’t they” type of offseason so far. The rumors have swirled that Baltimore has been looking for a trade partner for Peters in order to free up some cap space. No deal has materialized, but the Steelers could come calling. While their cornerback room has three capable names, it lacks the star power that Peters would provide.
The big issue here is would the Ravens be willing to deal Peters to the Steelers. Sure, the two teams have traded before, sending Chris Wormley from Baltimore to Pittsburgh, but Peters is a different animal. Wormley was nothing more than a backup; Peters is one of the better coverage cornerbacks in the league. If the Ravens were willing though, the Steelers ought to be calling.
Steelers should trade for Ferrell
While most people saw Clelin Ferrell as a first-round prospect when he entered the draft, many were shocked when the Raiders selected him with the fourth overall pick. Things haven’t gotten much better for the perceived reach, as the Raiders have consistently looked for ways to replace his on-the-field production. After only appearing in 24 percent of the defensive snaps last season, Ferrell may finally be out the door.
The Steelers don’t have a need for a starting edge rusher at this point with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith at the helm. That said, behind them is a different story. While veteran Genard Avery was brought in, this team is still lacking here. A name like Ferrell would make a lot of sense, as he could serve as a rotational pass rusher and allow the starters to rest.
On top of all of this, the Steelers had an interest in Ferrell when he came out of the draft. Considering his trade value has to be low right now, Pittsburgh could likely acquire him for next to nothing. There is a good chance he wouldn’t work out here either, but as a cheap flyer, the Steelers could do worse when trying to beef up their edge depth.
Steelers should trade for Payne
A name that has heated up for the Steelers following the retirement of Stephon Tuitt, Daron Payne would almost be like a pipedream for the team. One of the better interior linemen in the league, Payne is a dominating force against the run, and he is a decent pass rusher to boot. He would be a clear upgrade to this unit if added and a scary running mate alongside Cameron Heyward.
Why are the Commanders looking to trade him? The simple answer is, with so many talented defensive linemen, the Commanders can only pay so many guys. With the addition of Phidarian Mathis through the draft, Washington already seemingly has his replacement. They may look to trade him as opposed to letting him walk and taking the compensatory pick.
While I, like any sensible fan, would be thrilled to see Payne join this team, the odds don’t seem likely. For starters, trading for him will be expensive, as would the contract they would have to turn around and give him. Add in the team’s comfort with Wormley and the rest of their depth chart; this move isn’t likely. That said, adding him would make a good unit that much better.
Steelers should trade for Moore
A name that has made some waves in recent weeks, Kenny Moore has not been around the Colts facility for voluntary camp citing contract issues. If the Colts decide to cut bait with the talented cornerback and trade him, the Steelers have to be suitors. He is the model of what a slot cornerback should be and an impact defender with a lot of versatility.
Originally an undrafted free agent, Moore worked his way up the depth chart and eventually became one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league. He has further added to his value though, as he now plays outside and then kicks inside when the Colts utilize their slot cornerback. Better yet, he hasn’t struggled when playing outside either. That kind of versatility pays off to have in a secondary.
The Steelers never truly replaced Mike Hilton after he left. Tre Norwood was fine in coverage and Arthur Maulet held his own in run support, but this defense is lacking that dynamic slot presence. Add in Moore’s versatility to play outside as well and he would be a no-brainer to try and trade for. He would make a good secondary into arguably an elite one.
The Steelers did a good job of bettering their roster this offseason. That said, they are still a few pieces away from being seen as actual contenders in the AFC. While it is still to be seen what new GM Omar Khan’s trade policies are, adding any of these five names would instantly better this roster.