With the NFL trade deadline just around the corner, here are three players that the Steelers should try and trade away.
The NFL trade deadline lacks a lot of the anticipation that many other leagues have. With more and more teams willing to sell to acquire assets, we have seen some bigger names get dealt. We just saw a big name get moved in Christian McCaffrey. The Steelers roster has quite a few names that would make sense to get traded before the deadline.
While there are names I personally try and trade, this list is focused just on the most likely names that could get moved. This could be due to their positional value, potential, or just due to the fact that they likely won’t be around next season. With all of that said, here are the three Steelers that could get traded away before the deadline.
Mason Rudolph
It hasn’t been the season that Mason Rudolph hoped for. He was finally the man after Ben Roethlisberger retired, but that lasted for about a month and a half. Mitchell Trubisky became the guy after joining the Steelers as a free agent. He was then joined by Kenny Pickett after he was selected in the first round of the draft. Despite all of this, Rudolph still holds value after a solid preseason.
There are a multitude of teams that could use some help at quarterback. While Rudolph isn’t a premiere talent, he has NFL experience and a decent set of traits. No, he won’t fetch a huge price, but the odds of him returning next season are essentially zero. Netting a pick now makes a lot of sense for the third-string quarterback.
Devin Bush
While this season hasn’t been quite the rebound year many were hoping for the first-round pick, Devin Bush is playing far better than he did a season ago. Granted, that is a pretty low bar to clear, but Bush has been more active as a run defender and is less of a liability than he was this time last year. That said, the odds he remains a Steelers player past this season seem slim.
Myles Jack has comfortably taken on the role of lead linebacker, and he seems like a potential fixture at the position moving forward. The Steelers could use a better-run defender to pair with him, and Bush doesn’t fit that mold. Fetching a late-round pick makes sense, as he isn’t likely to sign much more than a minimum prove-it deal in the offseason.
Chase Claypool
The Steelers biggest trade piece, Chase Claypool had a horrible start to the season. He was ineffective as a receiver and a blocker and looked lost in this offense. The past two weeks have been a different story though, as Claypool has become a consistent and safe target for Kenny Pickett. He has used his size well on short passes and as a chains mover.
While the recent turnaround has been positive, it still seems unlikely he is with the team long-term. George Pickens is the real deal, and Claypool’s inconsistent play has been an issue. There are quite a few teams that need a receiver and trading him with a year still on his contract could net a higher pick. The Steelers should be selling at the deadline, and Claypool would likely fetch the best pick.
The Steelers less than desirable start to the season means selling at the trade deadline is logical for them. Acquiring resources in exchange for players that won’t around for the long run makes sense. These three players in particular have the most trade value and would be logical options to move before the deadline.