It's barely been over a week since the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts, but their foe just fired their general manager, Chris Ballard. The Colts are a team on a sinking ship and could be pushing some notable names on the trade block.
With the NFL's trade deadline quickly approaching, it's safe to assume the Steelers will be linked to some of their players through various rumors.
Without a GM in place, the Colts are an organization that could be willing to let some of their players go for cheap. They have some big-name rental players who could help boost the Black and Gold's roster this season. It will be interesting to see if Omar Khan becomes proactive in searching for some help.
Indianapolis just became a trade beacon for Pittsburgh to try and fleece.
Pittsburgh Steelers could try to take advantage of GM-less Colts before the trade deadline
Josh Downs, WR
With injuries piling up at the wide receiver position, it only makes sense for the Steelers to review the trade block for options. For one reason or another, it seems that Josh Downs might be losing favor within the Colts organization. He's still only 25 years old and has a solid track record of production during his NFL career.
He isn't a big target, but he could help provide another established option to Pittsburgh's offensive attack.
Not only can Downs be an effective wide receiver, but he has also shown the ability to be a reliable returner as well. It shouldn't cost too much to land the short playmaker, as he would be a pure rental. It's been a disappointing start to the season for him after only producing 289 yards and zero touchdowns through six games of action. Perhaps a trade to a new team can get him back on track.
DeForest Buckner, DT
Adding to the defensive line might not be top of mind before the trade deadline for the Steelers, but it might need to be. Depending on their level of comfort with Derrick Harmon's injury history, they could use help in the trenches. Both Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black have done a nice job filling in, but acquiring someone of DeForest Buckner's stature to line up next to Cam Heyward would be deadly.
His headlining name and the cap logistics that would need to happen to make this trade work could result in the Black and Gold paying a hefty price. Buckner might be worth it, especially if the Steelers don't feel great about their long-term outlook up front this year. The Colts star defensive tackle is playing great this season and has totaled four sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss.
Quenton Nelson, OG
It's odd that the Colts decided to allow Quenton Nelson to go into a season on an expiring contract. He is set to hit free agency, and he would be the top guard on the trade block if rumors are true that he could be available. The Steelers' offensive line has been better, but maybe acquiring Nelson would solidify that group for the remainder of the season.
He is one of the best guards of his generation.
Nelson has been a First-team All-Pro three times and a Second-team All-Pro three times, including last season. He has also been elected to the Pro Bowl eight times. Effectively, the Steelers would be getting a near shoo-in for the Hall of Fame by acquiring Nelson. Making his cap hit work could be a challenge, but this would be a potential fix to the ongoing inconsistencies in the trenches.
Charvarius Ward, CB
Bringing in another aging cornerback is probably a bad idea, but the Steelers need starting-caliber players back there. Charvarius Ward seems to be on the downswing of his career, but if Pittsburgh can get the Colts to pay most of his salary, then it could make sense. Producing a deal that would make Ward an easy cut candidate after the season with little ramifications would be terrific.
With Daylen Everette, Jamel Dean, and Asante Samuel Jr. showing signs of struggle over the past couple of weeks, the Steelers need to be proactive. Ward might not be the solution, but he would provide another option to start at defense after they traded Joey Porter Jr. The secondary is a giant weakness right now, and this veteran cornerback could help steady the ongoing issues there.
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