3 trades Steelers should pursue to help QB Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping they found their franchise quarterback. Here are three trades that could help Kenny Pickett early in his career.

Whenever a team invests a first-round pick on a quarterback they hope can be the future of the franchise, priority number one must become surrounding them with talent that will help them succeed. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett isn’t guaranteed to see the field right away, but they need to make sure they do everything in their power to not fail him.

Pittsburgh’s offense is incredibly young right now and there are some players with good upside. However, there is also room for improvement in several positions. If Pittsburgh is willing to part with some draft capital, they could help build a great roster around Pickett. Here are three players they could pursue in a trade that would aid in his development:

Steelers should trade for OG Dalton Risner

Dalton Risner isn’t a player that Pickett can target in the passing game, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help him succeed early in his career. A large part of playing the quarterback position is having the confidence to drop back and deliver the ball play after play.

Risner is a quality offensive guard who excels as a pass protector. The former second-round pick from the Broncos had his most impressive season in 2021. If the Steelers don’t have a great deal of confidence in Kevin Dotson to be a long-term option at the position, they could go after a player like Risner.

The Broncos, meanwhile, are probably looking for a way to get Quinn Meinerz onto the field after an impressive rookie season. Risner is a player they could be willing to part with — perhaps for a future third or fourth-round pick.