While a shift in strategy from buyers to sellers is unlikely for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is not impossible. They remain on top of the AFC North standings for now, but a shift in momentum over the past couple of weeks is easy to spot. The Steelers are starting to fall apart, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens are starting to turn things around.
General manager Omar Khan has already made a trade to improve his team by acquiring Kyle Dugger from the Patriots. He will do his best to improve his roster before the deadline passes. Maybe Pittsburgh won't go into "full sell mode", but they could move players to make bigger deals.
Khan has shown an ability to get creative on the trade front, and that mastermind could pull out a couple of new tricks from under his sleeve.
Pittsburgh Steelers could shock everyone by selling assets before the trade deadline
Pat Freiermuth, Tight end
If the Steelers want to make a significant impact before the trade deadline, Pat Freiermuth could become expendable.
Maybe selling off a young tight end under contract control isn't the best idea, but it's something Khan could contemplate. A potential offer could request Freiermuth in exchange for a solid upgrade at the receiver position. It would make sense for the Steelers since they have plenty of options at the position who could replace the young leader.
Darius Slay, Cornerback
Several members of the Steelers organization have been criticized for the secondary's poor performance.
Cornerback Darius Slay has become one of the primary targets for criticism, and justifiably so. He is on an expiring contract, and he appears old and slow. Perhaps a team in need of a veteran cornerback who plans on contending this season could use him in a cheap trade.
READ MORE: 3 dream trade targets who'd be better fits for Steelers than Darius Slay
Calvin Austin III, Wide receiver
Rumors continue to swirl about Khan trying to land an upgrade to the receiver position, and that means they could ship a playmaker out of town to make room. Calvin Austin III or Roman Wilson are possibilities, but Austin makes more sense. He is a pending free agent and has a lower ceiling than Wilson.
It would sting to lose the Steelers' lone speedster in a trade, but it could become a necessary evil if you want a star to take his place.
Alex Highsmith, EDGE
Like Freiermuth, Alex Highsmith would only be considered for a trade if a blockbuster offer were presented. You don't trade Highsmith just for fun, but you move him if an offer comes across your desk that's too hard to pass up. Because the Steelers have not properly utilized T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig in a rotation, Highsmith may now be available for a trade.