As everyone waits to see what sort of deals get done before the NFL's trade deadline passes on November 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hard at work. Their General Manager, Omar Khan, has been in constant rumors throughout the season, and he seems primed to upgrade his roster. They already added Kyle Dugger last week, and they could swing another trade or two before it's done.
It’s well-documented that the Steelers are looking to add a reliable receiver to strengthen their offense.
Their struggles against the Colts this past week showed that they could use some help to open things up. Instead of targeting their tight ends more times than not, adding a receiver would free up their star players. While adding a playmaker would be great, there are underlying problems that could become an issue if they fail to trade for some depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan could target roster upgrades this trade deadline
Mazi Smith, DT, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas might not be sellers before the trade deadline, but they are willing to move some pieces. Mazi Smith stands out as a potential piece they are willing to move. Smith was their first-round pick in 2023, a year in which Pittsburgh expressed plenty of pre-draft interest in him. The Michigan product hasn't panned out with the Cowboys, and a new team might give him another shot at redeeming his career.
Smith was seen as a developmental run-stuffer coming out of the draft process. He has been a backup in Dallas, but he could find a new lease on life with the Steelers. The big defensive tackle shouldn’t cost much to acquire, but he’s a young player with potential. Pittsburgh has young players on the roster, but adding Smith would offer a potential starter and an opportunity to develop a long-term option.
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Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Las Vegas Raiders
It's shocking that the Las Vegas Raiders would consider moving Jackson Powers-Johnson, but that's the word on the street. Pittsburgh considered both him and Zach Frazier in the 2024 draft for the starting center position, ultimately choosing Frazier. A new coaching staff with the Raiders this year doesn't seem to envision Powers-Johnson as their long-term anchor in the trenches.
The Steelers conducted extensive pre-draft evaluations to assess the type of player Powers-Johnson could become in the NFL.
If he is available before the trade deadline, Khan had better keep calling the Raiders. The starting offensive line seems to be improving, but Isaac Seumalo is a pending free agent and is currently dealing with a nagging injury. Powers-Johnson’s versatility at both guard and center positions could make him an even more appealing option.
Alontae Taylor, CB, New Orleans Saints
Even though the Steelers’ defense performed well against the Colts, they can’t sustain forcing that many turnovers. Their secondary still appeared weak at times, and that mostly has to do with Darius Slay. The 34-year-old is old and slow, and their depth at the cornerback position is questionable beyond Brandin Echols. Pittsburgh should seek the trade market for possible solutions to its underlying issue.
Alontae Taylor is a name who has been in trade rumors leading up to the deadline. Khan has a slight connection to the New Orleans Saints, who are on track to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season.
Taylor is a versatile and physical cornerback who would bring youth to Pittsburgh's secondary. The Steelers need young and faster options on the roster, and Taylor checks those boxes.