Time to wake up! The Pittsburgh Steelers just had one of the most boring trade deadlines under General Manager Omar Khan. They’re usually active during the event, but this time they failed to make an impact. They added Kyle Dugger last week, which was a nice move by the GM. While they did make some alterations to their roster, nothing has moved the needle like you'd prefer.
Khan is known as a bold, deal-making decision-maker at the trade table, but this time he played it safe.
He wasn't thrilled with the high prices around the NFL, and it led to a news-less day. Everyone envisioned Pittsburgh staying in multiple trade conversations leading up to the trade deadline. They did continue to negotiate, but nothing materialized across the finish line.
The Steelers could've used a legit receiver upgrade, but they failed to accept the prices for the likes of Jakobi Meyers and Rashid Shaheed, both rumored to join the Steelers. Those two upgrades at the receiver position will play the remainder of the season elsewhere. Time ran out for Khan to improve the roster, and that decision could come back to haunt the team this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan just laid a debilitating egg at the trade deadline
Although the current roster is coming off a massive win over the Indianapolis Colts last week, there are plenty of concerns littered across the depth chart. An injury at just a few key positions could derail the Steelers’ chances of competing this season. You can say that for most NFL teams, but it is only intensified for Pittsburgh. Khan's failure to address those potential issues is troubling.
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While finding an upgrade over Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III would've been nice, other issues are being overlooked. Isaac Seumalo is dealing with a nagging injury that could get worse. If it does, Pittsburgh's offensive line will take a massive hit. They could've used some depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball as insurance in case certain injuries hit them this season.
Cornerback is another area that could have used some help before the trade deadline passed. Perhaps Khan is willing to call Asante Samuel Jr. to see if he is willing to join the team. Their depth at cornerback continues to dwindle as Jalen Ramsey moves to safety and Darius Slay fails to show he is a reliable starter at his advanced age. They could've used some help in the secondary.
It might be smart in the long run for Khan not to pay the expensive prices that he wasn't comfortable with before the trade deadline.
Time will tell if his lack of moves was the right decision or not. Other teams around the NFL got better going into the final half of the season, while the Steelers sat on their hands. Khan better be right, or there will be another playoff flub once again.