With October almost through, the NFL trade deadline is almost upon us. A less exciting deadline than most sports, we have seen more names get moved before the yearly deadline in recent years. We have already seen two big receivers get moved, with Davante Adams going to the Jets and Amari Cooper going to the Bills.
The Steelers find themselves in the thick of things right now, and while I am skeptical about their outlook as a Super Bowl contender, they are squarely in the playoff race. This team has needs though, and the trade deadline could provide them with some additional help to get them over the hump. Here are four players that Pittsburgh needs to be calling about ahead of the trade deadline.
Steelers could add Robert Woods
The Texans have a wealth of receivers right now, and while they aren’t in a position to trade away pieces, Robert Woods may be the lone exception. He hasn’t seen much action this season and the team can shed some extra cap space by dealing him. They also have younger and more talented players to serve as depth, so there is little need to keep him.
While Woods is past his prime, he is still a refined route runner who can get open even if his athleticism is waning. His production hasn’t popped since 2020, but he can serve as a viable and experienced second option that features a star first option. Given his lack of playing time and depth all around, he should be cheap to acquire and an upgrade for the Steelers.
Steelers could add Greg Newsome
While an inner-divisional trade is rare, especially when it involves a starting player, the Browns are appearing desperate. Deshaun Watson has a stranglehold over the team, and his contract could destroy them in terms of cap space. A rebuild could be on, and the team may not want to dedicate the resources to keeping Greg Newsome around.
The former first-round pick has developed into a core starter, and most importantly, he can play in the slot. You would also get him next season, as Cleveland already picked up his fifth-year option. He can come in and improve the slot while also figuring into the long-term cornerback number two picture for the Steelers.
Steelers could add Mike Williams
Of all the names on this list, Mike Williams is definitely the most likely to come to the Steelers. The storyline is simple here: Pittsburgh liked him in the offseason, but he opted to sign with the Jets. That pairing hasn’t worked out, and New York traded for Davante Adams. It seems like Williams will be dealt, and the Steelers should be buyers.
He hasn’t been his usual dynamic self, but that player could still be in there. At a minimum, he should be a cheap upgrade over Van Jefferson as the second receiver. Like Woods, I can’t see his trade value being that much, but he would provide the team with a more capable option across from George Pickens.
Steelers could add Jaycee Horn
While outside cornerback isn’t the biggest need, the Steelers shouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to add a young and elite cornerback. Jaycee Horn has developed into a great starter and, like Newsome, is set to play on his fifth-year option next year. That said, the Panthers might need a complete rebuild and may opt to use their resources elsewhere.
There is a lot of speculation that he could be dealt, and if he is on the trade block, Pittsburgh needs to capitalize. Horn and Joey Porter would create a dynamic duo for the long term and solidify the cornerback room as one of the best. The odds aren’t great, but if Pittsburgh wants to make a big splash, Horn should be their guy.