Steelers could bolster their roster with these trades before the deadline

Steelers could solve future LB problem with Shaq Thompson

While Devin Bush has certainly played better than he did last year, it’s still hard to make the case that he’s anything more than just a serviceable starting linebacker. Bush still routinely gets washed out of plays and is often late to react. As a result, he currently ranks near the bottom of the league among 79 qualifying linebackers this year, according to Pro Football Focus.

Even if he plays lights-out from here on out, there’s nothing short of the franchise tag that could stop him from signing with another team during the 2023 offseason (and I’m certain the Steelers won’t want to go that route). Meanwhile, Myles Jack has been solid, but unspectacular. For this reason, I could see the team trading for a player who is rumored to be on the block like LB Shaq Thompson.

Thompson is 28 years old, but he has proven to be one of the better linebackers in the NFL for years now. He offers fantastic run support and is well-rounded enough to make plays all over the field. Trading for Thompson would give the Steelers the flexibility to rotate three linebackers on and off the field, and they wouldn’t be forced to pigeonhole Robert Spillane as a third-down coverage linebacker.

Thompson’s guaranteed money has already been paid by Carolina, so his cap numbers become more manageable. He’s also under contract for the 2023 season and could be an option for the next few seasons until the Steelers find a true long-term replacement at the position. The Panthers are selling the house, and I could see Pittsburgh calling about him.