When NFL franchises have the opportunity to strengthen their roster, they rarely hesitate. A trade before the league’s deadline can be the ultimate shapeshifter — transforming a team from contender to champion or, at the very least, injecting life into a stagnating season.
Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not in troubled waters, but they could benefit from being aggressive one last time before the clock strikes 4 p.m. ET today.
Their offseason haul of seasoned All-Pros — including Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey, and others — has steadied the ship and reignited hope in Pittsburgh. Yet, despite a respectable record, the Steelers are still searching for identity and balance.
Injuries and inconsistent play have left holes across the depth chart, and unless the front office acts quickly, those cracks could widen before the second half of the season begins.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of options to choose from before the NFL Trade Deadline
If the Steelers expect to still be playing meaningful football after December, the trade deadline shouldn’t just be a date on the calendar — it should be their best friend. Without blowing the bank, General Manager Omar Khan will need to be creative. But if there’s one thing Khan has proven, it’s that he doesn’t shy away from risk.
Here’s a look at three potential trade targets who could help Pittsburgh take the next step.
Seattle Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen
Protecting the end zone has become an unexpected issue for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and his group. Once the pride of the franchise, the Steelers’ secondary has been plagued by breakdowns and missed assignments that have cost them dearly in recent weeks.
Through nine games, Pittsburgh ranks dead last in passing yards allowed per game (278.3) and an alarming 333.7 over the last three outings. Those numbers aren’t just un-Steeler-like — they’re unacceptable.
Veteran cornerback Darius Slay’s struggles have only added to the defensive woes. Outside of Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., the team lacks a reliable lockdown defender. That’s where Tariq Woolen comes in.
The Seattle Seahawks' corner brings size, athleticism, and proven production to the table. At six-foot-four, Woolen’s rare combination of length and speed has helped him become a ballhawk with 138 solo tackles and 11 interceptions since entering the league.
He’s still developing, but the upside is undeniable. Pairing Woolen with Ramsey and Porter Jr. could quickly restore Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. The only question is whether Seattle would be willing to move him — and if the Steelers can make an offer rich enough to sway them.
Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell
It’s nauseating to admit, but ignoring Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles would be pure malpractice. Omar Khan knew the wide receiver room would need reshaping after trading George Pickens to Dallas, but the efforts so far haven’t fully filled the void. The recent signing of Marquez Valdes-Scantling was a good start, but this offense still feels one playmaker away from true cohesion.
Enter Adonai Mitchell, a promising young receiver from the Indianapolis Colts. The former Texas Longhorn hasn’t seen much action in his sophomore season, but that could work in Pittsburgh’s favor. Through 25 games, Mitchell has logged 32 receptions on 71 targets and flashed glimpses of the explosiveness that made him a top collegiate prospect.
This season, he’s recorded nine catches for 152 yards in a crowded Colts offense — solid numbers given his limited role. Under Aaron Rodgers’ leadership, Mitchell could flourish. Rodgers has long been known for elevating young, overlooked receivers into key contributors. If the Steelers can pry Mitchell away from Indianapolis, they’d be landing not just a receiver, but a developmental weapon with star potential.
Las Vegas Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers
Either way you slice it, Pittsburgh’s wide receiver problem must be addressed. Roman Wilson’s Week 9 fumble highlighted his growing pains, while Calvin Austin III’s recurring injuries have disrupted continuity. Arthur Smith’s offense needs reliability, and Jakobi Meyers fits that description perfectly.
Meyers has quietly built a reputation as one of the most consistent possession receivers in the league. Since 2019, he’s compiled 4,944 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns while averaging 11.6 yards per reception. His route running, awareness, and toughness make him an ideal complement to a big-play quarterback like Rodgers.
Yet, his tenure with the Raiders has largely flown under the radar. Playing in a dysfunctional Las Vegas offense hasn’t done much for his visibility, but the talent has always been there. A move to Pittsburgh would give him a chance to shine under Tomlin’s leadership while providing Rodgers with a steady target who thrives in clutch moments.
The challenge, of course, will be cost. Meyers isn’t cheap, and the Raiders won’t part ways easily. Still, for a team eyeing a postseason run, acquiring a proven playmaker like Meyers might be worth the investment.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot signore the NFL Trade Deadline
I would be shocked if the Steelers fail to make at least one move before the trade deadline expires. Standing pat would be, in my view, football malpractice. The front office has made it clear that this season is about competing for a championship, not rebuilding. But even the best blueprints require finishing touches.
Whether it’s bolstering the secondary with Tariq Woolen or giving Rodgers another weapon like Adonai Mitchell or Jakobi Meyers, the message is simple: Pittsburgh can’t afford to settle.
The pieces are there — a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback, an elite defense when healthy, and a head coach who knows how to get the most out of his team. What they need now is depth, balance, and a spark.
It’s time for Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin to act boldly one last time. Because in Pittsburgh, “the standard is the standard” — and that standard demands more than standing still.