Don't let the afterglow of the NFL Draft fool you; the Pittsburgh Steelers could remain active this offseason. The conclusion of the Aaron Rodgers saga will determine how aggressive they might be leading up to the final moves to cap off the offseason.
Rosters could change quickly after the draft painted a grim picture for some players. It could force new options on the trade block.
No one knows how the NFL Draft will affect how teams view their depth chart going into the preseason. They could be willing to trade players they wouldn't have thought about until they landed some quality prospects at the draft. Steelers general manager Omar Khan should be willing to target some options if they are available. It is time to be aggressive.
Pittsburgh can afford to make bold moves with a handful of compensatory picks set to hit their draft arsenal in 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers' failure at NFL Draft could lead to targeting veterans on the trade block
Trevon Diggs, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Not many teams have struggled to stay more relevant this offseason than the Dallas Cowboys. They don't know if they should rebuild or try to win again. The NFL Draft saw them invest in a top cornerback in the event, which has triggered trade rumors. Dallas cannot afford to pay all their starting cornerbacks, which could force Trevon Diggs on the trade block.
Khan should call the Cowboys to see if they would be willing to take a cheap exchange for the star player. Diggs holds a hefty contract, but his guaranteed money falls off a cliff soon. That could mean Pittsburgh can release him if he struggles to return from his season-ending injury this past year. Diggs is a gambler at the position, but he would boost the Steelers' secondary.
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Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Khan could go into scramble mode if Rodgers doesn't sign with the team. They have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson under contract, but need a fourth arm at training camp. Rodgers's refusal to join the team could mean Khan might target a veteran option to compete for a starting job. Pittsburgh would be an enticing spot for Kirk Cousins to consider.
Acquiring Cousins for next to nothing off the trade market is the only way Khan could consider this move.
Cousins is a veteran quarterback who costs a lot of money and is coming off his worst season as a starter. Khan would be crazy to consider anything more than the Atlanta Falcons paying most of his contract, and only for a late-round pick. The Steelers are resourceful, and they know Atlanta is in a tumultuous spot with Cousins on their roster.
Corey Ballentine, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh failed to address their cornerback need in a meaningful way at the NFL Draft.
The Steelers might've added Donte Kent in the seventh round, but the belief he could be a starter is inaccurate. Beanie Bishop remains an option in the slot, but neither he nor Kent are reliable options heading into training camp. Maybe someone like Corey Ballentine could be an answer if Brandin Echols doesn't step into that spot. Ballentine is an interesting piece on the Colts.
Indianapolis added to their secondary in the third round by selecting Justin Walley. He will become a starter for them and can fill that slot role. Pittsburgh could call the Colts between now and when final cuts roll through to see if Ballentine is available. The veteran can play inside and outside at the position, which helps regarding the Steelers' number of cornerbacks they must keep.