Getting better before the trade deadline should've been the top priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that failed to happen. They were rumored to be interested in many wide receivers leading up to the deadline, but nothing materialized. Now the team is left with question marks moving forward, and with few solutions left for them. Their lack of moves could end up costing them when it counts.
Although the cornerback position didn't get many headlines going into the trade deadline, it's one the Black and Gold considered adding to. It's an area full of question marks, despite that group doing a solid job replacing Joey Porter Jr. up to this point in the campaign.
The issue is that the likelihood of that success being sustained the rest of the way is low, and getting an insurance policy would've been ideal.
At the end of the day, the Steelers still hold a 6-2 record and have a good shot at making the playoffs and potentially winning the AFC North. The issue is that their lack of moves before the trade deadline could eventually hurt them later in the season. If injuries pile up at receiver (as they already have) or cornerback, things could get ugly. It's also possible that both areas could see significant regression the rest of the way.
Pittsburgh Steelers failure of adding a receiver and cornerback could sink the season
When it comes to the receiver position, it was clearly the priority for the team to go after before the trade deadline. Constant speculation and rumors surrounded the team targeting Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley, Josh Downs, and others. Downs went to the Chiefs, and Pittsburgh failed to make a move.
They seem to be hoping for Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson to be their answers when they return from injury.
At the cornerback position, Pittsburgh has Asante Samuel Jr., Jamel Dean, and Daylen Everette. They are relying heavily on this group, which has been strong to this point in the calendar, to hold down the fort the rest of the way. The biggest concern is that the schedule only gets tougher the rest of the way, and no one should be shocked if that trio struggles against some elite competition.
Their ongoing gamble at both positions is bold and shows their true intentions of trying to stay in the mushy middle. They might make the playoffs, but their lack of deals before the trade deadline shows they truly don't believe this team has what it takes to win the Super Bowl. If they did think they had a chance, then they wouldn't care about giving up draft capital to focus on winning this season.
Don't expect the Steelers' receiver group to show many signs of improvement, even if Pittman and Wilson return with a clean bill of health. It shouldn't shock anyone either if the secondary shows signs of regression, particularly in the cornerback group. They are a trio of question marks who are missing a top player at the position. Their cornerbacks will probably get exposed against better competition.
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