There is plenty of blame to go around regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' pricey defense. They have fallen apart in recent weeks, and the blame should be placed on the collective unit. If you had to point out the weakest links on the defense, the safety, cornerback, and their lack of physicality are troublesome. The addition of Kyle Duggar could just be the start of everything.
General manager Omar Khan has been trying to locate different upgrades on the trade front before the deadline passes on November 4.
It might not be likely that the Steelers acquire extra help for their expensive defense, but don't rule it out. They clearly need more help on defense, and if the right option becomes available, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to express interest in adding an upgrade to one of the weakest positions on their team.
Pittsburgh Steelers could look at the trade market to upgrade several key positions
Elandon Roberts, Las Vegas Raiders
Malik Harrison may be on his way back from injury, but the Steelers should remain focused on adding physical players to their defense. Their entire group has lacked a level of toughness that Elandon Roberts brought last season. Tomlin should love the idea of a possible reunion. It shouldn't be too expensive to acquire Roberts in a potential trade.
Considering the current situation, snaps might be limited for Roberts, but he would be a better run stuffer than Cole Holcomb or Harrison.
Roberts has started six of the seven Raiders games this year. It's unknown if Las Vegas is willing to move the veteran despite their poor record. Pittsburgh could pursue him with his familiarity and the type of player he is. Still, trying to divide snaps between Roberts, Holcomb, and Harrison could be a chore, but adding a physical linebacker like Roberts would do this defense some good.
READ MORE: Steelers could be desperate for help after big injury blow
Shy Tuttle, Tennessee Titans
With Daniel Ekuale suffering a season-ending injury against the Packers, the depth along the trenches just got a little weaker for Pittsburgh. They could use another experienced defensive lineman to help their cause. Shy Tuttle comes to mind as he is someone who can help the Steelers. He fits the mold of the body type the franchise prefers in its linemen.
Going with the younger guys to help replace Ekuale is the way to go, but the Steelers need an insurance policy. Tuttle isn't a fantastic player, but he is an experienced option who can help secure the bottom of the roster in case injuries start to pile up. Trading for the veteran probably wouldn’t require much, a scenario Tomlin would certainly favor.
Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Here is a buy-low option for the Steelers to consider as the Seattle Seahawks remain in trade talks. This season, Tariq Woolen has struggled to remain a solid starting cornerback in the NFL. The 26-year-old could produce better results with a fresh start. The Steelers should have interest in adding a young cornerback with blazing speed and a history of causing turnovers.
He might not turn into a star player, but Woolen's low-cost contract for the rest of the season would bring some youth to an older defense.
The Steelers need young and hungry players trying to prove their worth. With solid starting experience and a track record of forcing turnovers, Woolen is someone Pittsburgh should definitely try to get.