Even though the Steelers have shown some encouraging things during their first stretch of the season, they have also shown plenty of weaknesses. Trade rumors are circulating in Pittsburgh more than in past years. Many hope the team can find ways to acquire talent before the trade deadline hits on November 5. It will be up to Omar Khan to decide if this team is worthy of trade additions.
Injuries have been a sticking point for the Steelers thus far. They have had plenty of starters on both sides of the ball out with different injuries that have kept them out long-term. As they wait for some to return in the coming weeks, others have been lost for the season.
No matter what, the Steelers need help at multiple spots across their roster. It will be up to Khan to try and solve this complex puzzle.
Must-attack trade targets to upgrade the Pittsburgh Steelers roster
Mike Williams
With rumors out there about Davante Adams potentially going to the Jets, it seems like one of their receivers could be traded out of town. Mike Williams saw interest from the Steelers this past offseason. He could be an affordable trade option for Pittsburgh. He might not be Adams-level, but he would be a nice proven upgrade to be the Steelers' second option at wide receiver.
Mike Hilton
Pittsburgh has been trying to find Mike Hilton's replacement ever since he signed with Cincinnati. Why not finally solve the problems in the slot by adding Hilton back in a trade? Cam Sutton is set to be the starter at slot cornerback once he returns from suspension, but they have no depth. They were set on starting Beanie Bishop, but that experiment has backfired on the Steelers.
Travis Etienne
Both Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson should inject some juice into the Steelers' run game once they both return. It might be best to move on from Najee Harris and add another back via trade. The Jaguars are terrible, and Travis Etienne is someone Pittsburgh showed a ton of pre-draft interest in. He would be a tremendous fit in Arthur Smith's offense if they wanted to add an upgrade over Harris.
Azeez Ojulari
It is only a matter of time until both Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig return from their injuries. That still doesn't disqualify the concern about depth at the fourth outside linebacker spot. Azeez Ojulari is someone who has a cheap cap hit and has been productive as an edge rusher in the NFL before. Ojulari would be a tremendous upgrade to the depth spot at outside linebacker to help in case of further injuries.
Tyler Boyd
A name who hasn't been thrown around Pittsburgh yet but should be is Tyler Boyd. The Steelers had a ton of interest in him this past free agency, but a contract was never ironed out. Tennessee seems like they are going to be terrible, so Boyd could become available via trade. He is still a serviceable receiver who can play inside and outside. He is also a willing blocker, which is something the Steelers need.