In the weeks leading up to the NFL trade deadline, no name has been thrown around more than Pat Surtain II. The second-generation All-Pro cornerback was one of the best defensive backs in the league during his second season in 2022. Last year, Surtain graded out second at the cornerback position next to only Sauce Gardner, per Pro Football Focus.
While Surtain isn't looking quite as dominant so far this year, that could have something to do with the dumpster fire around him in Denver. Though the Broncos managed to snag their second win of the season in Week 7, their performance wasn't convincing, and they are losing by an average of nearly 10 points per contest.
Fans of most NFL teams should be interested in potentially acquiring the services of Pat Surtain II at the trade deadline, but Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been head over heels in love with the idea of trading for one of the best cornerbacks in the game. While trading for a young, talented, All-Pro CB might seem too far-fetched, here are three reasons why a Steelers trade for Pat Surtain could actually be on the table soon.
3. Broncos will be sellers at the trade deadline
There have been rumors swirling that the Denver Broncos are going to be sellers at the NFL trade deadline. This shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Both the collection of their cringeworthy stats and their 2-5 record suggest that they are one of the worst teams in the league. If you recall, this was the team that allowed 70 points against the Dolphins despite Miami resting their starters in the fourth quarter.
If a terrible team isn't reason enough to sell, the Broncos have just recently got out of the salary cap hole, but they are set to have just $3 million in salary cap space to work with in 2024, according to Over the Cap. This is hardly enough spending money for Sean Payton to start rebuilding the team the way he wants to.
Admittedly, getting rid of one of your best players and the most valuable asset to your team seems like a mistake (and it could turn out to be), but Denver would love to have added draft capital and as much cap space as possible going into next year to help turn things around.
Meanwhile, Surtain is coming up on a massive contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. Because the Steelers are saving money on a rookie deal for the quarterback position, they could stomach this contract -- even with several expensive players already on defense.