The offseason is officially underway, and the trade talks are already surfacing in full force. There seems to be some great talent available. Myles Garrett has asked the Browns to trade him while the Rams informed Cooper Kupp that he would be dealt this year. The Steelers have naturally been linked to a few of these superstars who are potentially on the move.
However, one name stands out as a potential fit that no one is talking about.
There seems to be some rumblings that former first-round pick Mazi Smith and the Cowboys will be splitting up this offseason. He has been rumored to have a few teams interested, but if he is genuinely on the block, the Steelers should come calling.
Smith was a surprise first-round pick two years ago, as most had him slated to go in the second or early third round. He has great size and rare athleticism, but his pass-rushing school was limited and he was raw despite those natural gifts. So far, he hasn’t been properly developed by Dallas.
His rookie season was limited to just three games as he struggled with injuries and his second year saw a jump in playing time, but he was mostly a nonfactor for the Cowboys. If he is on the trading block, a new home in Pittsburgh would be an underrated move by this organization.
What a Steelers trade for Mazi Smith could look like
The most recent trade with this type of situation and position happened in 2022. The Texans sent former early second-pick Ross Blacklock and a seventh-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Only two years into his career, we saw a defensive tackle only garner a late pick swap.
This situation, while similar, is not identical. The main difference is the timing of the deal. Blacklock was traded away at cutdowns and was likely to be released had no one traded for him. Smith would, ideally, be acquired before the draft. Add in the first-round billing with the fifth-year option still there and the Steelers part ways with a fourth-round pick to get Smtih and a fifth.
READ MORE: Big time spenders: Steelers will have a historical amount of cap space in 2025
While the exact terms of those picks will be known after compensatory picks are awarded, the Steelers would essentially be moving down about 30 spots to get a former first-round pick.
Smith didn’t grade out well in his sophomore season, but he has plenty of time on his side to improve his game. As well, one could argue that switching to nose tackle in a 3-4 will play into his strengths better, and it could provide him with a career revival.
For the Steelers, this would allow for Keeanu Benton to shit to a defensive end role, something that he profiles well with. In turn, Larry Ogunjobi could be cut, giving you your starting three linemen for the season.
Let's not forget that Smith was a physical freak in college. He received the Dontari Poe comps due to his size and athleticism, and while he may not get there as a pass rusher, he could certainly hold his own on the run game. It doesn’t hurt that the Steelers had a lot of interest in him leading up to the draft.
This doesn’t prohibit you from going defensive line early in this draft class either. The team still needs a long-term replacement for Cameron Heyward. Smith isn’t that, but he profiles well as a nose tackle and allows for this line to move forward without Ogunjobi.
Acquiring young talent at a discount like this is always the right move. Moving down 30 spots on day three is not substantial, and Smith still has time to rebuild his career. Get him in a room that allows him to do what he does best and you could see a career rebound for Smith with the Steelers.