As the season progresses, it's clear that some teams are out of the playoff hunt nearing the trade deadline. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the teams with an impressive record and a desire to get back to the postseason and hopefully break their curse. Any shot at accomplishing that goal likely needs them to get aggressive at the deadline and make some impactful trades in the coming weeks.
You could argue there could be upwards of 13 teams across the NFL willing to listen to offers when the deadline arrives.
That would be almost half the clubs across the league willing to send players to Pittsburgh. All that being said, the games leading up to the trade deadline will be vital for teams that hope for an in-season turnaround and those who begin to ramp up trade talks.
Pittsburgh Steelers would be wise to target bad teams before the trade deadline passes
Miami Dolphins: Malik Washington, WR
Miami is one of the worst teams this season, and they don't have a ton of trade chips. One name to monitor is Malik Washington. He's a tiny little gadget receiver who can play in different situations. Washington also provides the ability to contribute as a returner, an area Pittsburgh could use a boost at. He wouldn't be a flashy addition by any means, but he could be a cheap piece to bring into the mix.
Los Angeles Rams: Kevin Dotson, RG
After trading away Kevin Dotson in 2023, he has turned into a reliable guard for the Rams. Although he has yet to earn any individual accolades in the NFL, Dotson could provide a boost up front for the Steelers. Los Angeles is hoping to turn their season around as they went all-in this season.
If they continue to flounder, then inquiring about a reunion with Dotson could be a massive last-minute addition.
New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR
This would be one heck of a splash by the Black and Gold if they could pull off this move. Bringing Garrett Wilson onto the team would immediately boost their wide receiver group to new heights. They are desperate for some help on offense to hopefully take some pressure off of some younger guys. Wilson and Aaron Rodgers did play on the same team before and could patch things up.
Arizona Cardinals: Mack Wilson Sr., LB
One name many are not mentioning as the trade deadline nears is Mack Wilson Sr. He has been a steady presence in the desert for a while now, but he continues to be overlooked. If the Steelers are serious about upgrading their defense, they need to have a conversation about whether Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are the answer. Wilson shouldn't cost much to get and could help their group.
Tennessee Titans: Alontae Taylor, CB
Bringing in another question mark into the secondary seems like a bad idea, but Alontae Taylor could use a change of scenery. The Titans just gave him a massive contract this past offseason, only to bench him this season. If the Steelers could land Taylor in a trade for cheap, with Tennessee retaining money on his deal, then Pittsburgh would be crazy not to consider taking the risk on the veteran.
New Orleans Saints: Pete Werner, LB
After beating the Saints in Paris, it appears that New Orleans might have no other choice but to be sellers at the trade deadline. Once again, if the Black and Gold want to address the inside linebacker position, they must be aggressive. Pete Werner is someone under contract with a reasonable cap hit for the Steelers to consider. He is a tackling machine and remains a reliable piece for the Saints.
Houston Texans: Wyatt Teller, RG
It's been a season to forget for Wyatt Teller, as age seems to be pushing him out of the league. Teller has been sitting on the bench thus far, and Pittsburgh could provide a perfect opportunity for him. Houston is in a tough spot, but even if they're not sellers before the deadline, moving Teller might be best. Pittsburgh has Brock Hoffman and others, but Teller could step in and help boost that position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin Jr., WR
He's become a popular name in the rumor mill, and if the Bucs keep losing, expect Chris Godwin to get traded in the coming weeks.
The Steelers would certainly hold interest. He's the type of wide receiver they like to target. An aging playmaker with a wealth of experience on his resume. Godwin might still have some juice in the tank this season to help their offense improve.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson, RG
They will need to lose some more games to become sellers, but if the Raiders decide to go that route, Pittsburgh should target Jackson Powers-Johnson. The right guard has been on the trade block before, and the once-draft target of the Steelers continues to struggle with the Raiders. Powers-Johnson has been a backup with the team, and he could help challenge Brock Hoffman.
Philadelphia Eagles: Riq Woolen, CB
He should be near the top of their trade targets list, as the Steelers could use another starting-caliber cornerback on their roster. Riq Woolen isn't having the season he signed up for in Philly, and if they become sellers, Pittsburgh should be making some calls. Woolen is on a one-year deal, so his rental status is intriguing. He could help the secondary emerge as a quality group with his addition.
Los Angeles Chargers: Ladd McConkey, WR
Another splash option for the Black and Gold to consider is Ladd McConkey.
He would likely cost a pretty penny to acquire in a trade, but he's someone the Steelers must consider if he hits the trade block. He remains on his rookie deal for a little while longer, and his route running is exceptional. McConkey is a trade chip that would fetch the Chargers a solid return and be one of the better options before the deadline if they make him available.
Washington Commanders: Frankie Luvu, LB
Again, the inconsistencies in the middle of the defense need to be resolved this season or after. The Commanders are on their way to another disastrous season, so they should be willing to sell. Frankie Luvu might be one of the best inside linebackers who hit the trade block. He's a pure rental option, but Luvu would finally give the defense a prime player at the position.
Indianapolis Colts: Josh Downs, WR
After moving Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner earlier, it's become clear that the Colts are open for business.
The Steelers could target several players on their trade block, but Josh Downs sticks out like a sore thumb. He is a deadly route runner who continuously gets open. Pittsburgh's offense could use a wide receiver like him. It's unknown how much it would cost, but Downs would be a fantastic acquisition.
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