3 players Steelers should target at NFL trade deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers outperformed expectations in the first half of the 2024 season and they are starting to look like real contenders with Russell Wilson at the helm. But as the team takes some time to rejuvenate during the bye, now is not the time for the front office to sit on their hands.

This Super Bowl window won't stay open for long. Wilson turns 36 years old this month, T.J. Watt is now in his 30s, and Cam Heyward is 35. The Steelers can't afford to wait until the 2025 offseason to improve their roster.

The time to strike is now. We are just days away from the NFL trade deadline and the options are dwindling. Here are three players the Steelers should target by the November 5 deadline.

Darius Slayton, WR, Giants

Unfortunately, most of the viable wide receiver trade options are off the table. Pittsburgh missed out on the Davante Adams sweepstakes while the Rams won't want to trade Cooper Kupp after their upset win over the Vikings that kept them in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the Jets lost Alan Lazard to IR, and Mike Williams may no longer be an option.

Darius Slayton is the last remaining realistic wide receiver trade target... and he's a good football player. The Giants are a bottom-dwelling team who won't be in the playoff mix this year. Slayton has an expiring contract following the 2024 season, and New York could try to get something for him before he walks away in free agency.

Slayton would be an outstanding fit with Russell Wilson thanks to his speed and ability to win down the side-line. He is one of the last remaining WR trade targets who would be a significant upgrade over what they have.

Jaycee Horn, CB, Panthers

This may be a long shot, but it's well worth Omar Khan's time to have a conversation with Carolina's front office about Jaycee Horn. The Panthers are a dumpster fire with no hope of a future, and they should be in the market for stockpiling as much draft capital as possible.

While they will be reluctant to part with the few blue-chip options they have on the team, they have a chance to hit the reset button and build their roster the right way for a chance. Horn hasn't been perfect and injuries have plagued his career early. However, this would be a substantial upgrade for the Steelers over Donte Jackson, who looked like a liability in recent weeks.

Horn has size (6'1'', 200 pounds), physicality, and coverage chops that would make him a perfect addition opposite Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary. A trade for Horn wouldn't come cheap, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Calais Campbell, DL, Dolphins

Even with their current record, I don't envision Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins being one of those teams looking to sell. If they were willing to part with a few aging pieces before the deadline, Calais Campbell would be the perfect target.

Campbell is 38 years old, but much like Cam Heyward for the Steelers, his age is but a number. The long-time defensive lineman is still playing at a high-level thanks to his incredible run defense and unmatched strength at the point of attack.

Meanwhile, the Steelers could use another chip along their defensive line that can slow down opposing running games. Campbell's flexibility would also be a treat, as he can play anything from edge defender to defensive tackle. Seeing him next to Heyward would be a dream come true.