If you have followed along with my writing, you can probably see that I’m not gung-ho on the Pittsburgh Steelers making a notable trade ahead of the deadline. I don’t see an obvious player who feels like a great fit, nor do I like the projected capital that it will take to acquire one of these stars.
However, don’t mistake my apathetic attitude to the likely suspects as being against a trade at all.
There are a few names that I think could work for the Steelers. While I’m skeptical of this team being an actual contender, getting a player who can help out now and for the future, if the price is right, seems like a good move to me.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to target these 4 players ahead of the trade deadline
The Likely Suspect: Quentin Johnston, WR
While his name has been overshadowed by the wealth of potential receivers set to be moved at the deadline, I’ve firmly planted my flag in the Quentin Johnston camp for the Steelers.
No, he isn’t as flashy as Brian Thomas Jr. or his fellow Chargers running mate Ladd McConkey, but Johnston feels like just what the Steelers need. He is your classic deep threat who can make big plays down the field. No, he isn’t going to revolutionize this room, but as a third option, he forces the defense to respect the vertical passing game.
That may not materialize much this year, but part of the cost of acquiring the former first-round pick is taking on his fifth-year option in 2027. He gets that money no matter what, so you are essentially tied to him through next year.
It is affordable enough to work in this room, and assuming Pittsburgh has a younger, more aggressive quarterback (I’m looking at you, Drew Allar) in 2027, he could be a great fit for this team.
Most importantly, he shouldn’t cost much. I’m guessing a late Day 3 pick or a swap would do the trick. He adds value now and can grow into a role beyond this year. Sign me up for that over sending a third-round pick for Josh Downs.
A Former Draft Crush: Mike Sainristil, CB
A name quietly warming up in the trade rumor mill, Mike Sainristil had the Steelers' eye just a few years ago. A second-round pick out of Michigan, he had the makings of a feisty slot cornerback who thrived at stopping the run, similar to what Mike Hilton was for this defense many moons ago.
Washington hasn’t used him as much in that role, and the results haven’t been great.
PFF has given him a grade of 29.4, the worst for a cornerback in their system. The Commanders have reduced his snap count, and he feels like a player on the outs.
There is certainly a risk in acquiring him, and he likely doesn’t provide the team much more than depth in 2026, but if the price is right, you should make this trade. Jalen Ramsey is the primary slot cornerback, but you are one injury away from being empty there.
Even if that isn’t an issue this season, Ramsey isn’t a lock to be here next year. Sainristil could fit into that role if he can rebound. Getting him exclusively in the slot would be a crucial first step.
The Quiet Upgrade: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL
I’ve been pounding the table for the Steelers to acquire Jackson Powers-Johnson for a long time. I was high on him in the draft, and while I was happy with Zach Frazier as a consolation prize in the draft, Powers-Johnson was still alluring.
The Raiders have been a wreck since drafting him, and his on-again, off-again status as a starter makes it feel like he could have been traded multiple times in his short career. Now, once again benched, it feels like his time is coming to a close in Las Vegas.
The Steelers' biggest weak spot on the line has been Brock Hoffman, who feels better suited to be a backup. Adding Powers-Johnson gives a potential upgrade this year. As for next, he can battle it out with Gennings Dunker for the right to start.
The cost shouldn’t be high, so Pittsburgh can finally land another draft crush at an extremely cheap cost.
The Big Swing: Landon Dickerson, IOL
If the Steelers truly want to take a big swing ahead of this trade deadline, I think this is the move to make. While guard isn’t the biggest positional need, as stated earlier, it is the weakest link on their offensive line currently. Landon Dickerson would fill that hole and then some.
The Eagles seem to be in sell-off mode, and it feels like their line is officially in a transition stage following the surprise retirement of Lane Johnson and the trade of Cam Jurgens to the Ravens. Dickerson has expressed displeasure with the front office, and it feels like a split is inevitable.
Injuries are a concern – Dickerson has struggled with them for his entire career. That said, when on the field, he is an elite guard who would take this offensive line to the next level.
Putting a value on him is difficult, but I could be convinced to part with a late Day 3 pick for Dickerson. The Steelers are winning because of their strong line play, and Dickerson would patch the last hole in that unit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google