Grading the trades: Steelers settle at wide receiver but find a defensive gem

The NFL’s 2024 trade deadline concluded yesterday, with several teams making moves either before or on the final day. The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at 6-2 and atop the AFC North, made two key roster upgrades on Tuesday. First, they secured a much-needed wide receiver, a position the front office had been targeting for months.

In addition to this, the Steelers pulled off a surprising trade that few expected. Here’s a breakdown and grade for each of the team’s two acquisitions.

Grade: C-

After what feels like months since the Brandon Aiyuk trade fell through, the Steelers front office has left no stone unturned in their search for another wide receiver. They missed out on Davante Adams, and DeAndre Hopkins, and even reportedly explored options like Cooper Kupp and Darius Slayton. Pittsburgh appeared to have a deal in place to acquire Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that was derailed when Kirk suffered a season-ending collarbone injury.

In the end, the Steelers settled on Mike Williams, a player they had tried to sign during free agency this past spring before he ultimately joined the New York Jets. Williams’ tenure with the Jets didn’t work out, as he fell out of favor with Aaron Rodgers and struggled to carve out a significant role. However, Pittsburgh was able to secure a receiver who fills a much-needed gap in their WR room.

While it's clear the Steelers were aiming higher, trying to land a bigger name, they ended up with a player who, although not the top target they envisioned, is still an upgrade over what they had. Williams offers more depth than the previous options and is clearly the second-best receiver in the room, behind only George Pickens.

READ MORE: Updated Steelers depth chart after Mike Williams and Preston Smith trades

Though Williams may not be the same player he was two years ago, his size and deep-threat ability make him a valuable addition opposite Pickens. He’ll be another weapon in a passing game that’s found success under Russell Wilson, particularly with its focus on attacking defenses vertically. Mike Williams fits that role perfectly, and his presence should also provide an upgrade in the run game compared to Van Jefferson.

All things considered, I’d give the move a C-. The Steelers didn’t land a star, but they addressed a need and brought in a WR who complements their offense. While it could’ve been a bigger splash, it’s definitely better than nothing.

Grade: A+

This was the most unexpected move of the deadline for the Steelers, as the team acquired a highly skilled player for just a 7th-round draft pick. Pittsburgh’s defensive strength has long been their outside linebackers, and this trade only adds more power to that unit.

With injuries this season to Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig still dealing with a hamstring issue, the Steelers bolstered their depth by bringing in Preston Smith. This move provides crucial insurance against further injuries, allowing Highsmith and T.J. Watt to get more rest without overburdening them with excessive snaps.

Once Herbig returns, this four-man rotation will be one of the most formidable in the league.

Additionally, this trade gives Teryl Austin and Mike Tomlin more flexibility to get creative with the outside linebacker group, enabling them to move all four players around in various ways. From a financial perspective, the deal is a bargain, with the Steelers only taking on just over $2 million in salary for this season.

Pittsburgh can avoid the remaining portion of Smith’s contract if they decide to part ways after the season or potentially negotiate terms if he’s brought back.

Other thoughts:

The Steelers are undeniably a stronger team now compared to before these two trades. They've added a much-needed WR2 and bolstered their pass-rush depth. This front seven just became even more dominant, and there’s now confidence that the production won’t drop off dramatically when Watt and Highsmith are off the field.