With everything that happened this season to the Steelers, it almost seems like a miracle that the team somehow made the playoffs. It took plenty of injuries to overcome to get to the post season. It also took the club to believe in their third string quarterback to lead them to the promise land. It's been a crazy season for Pittsburgh.
With the season starting to come to a close, it is time to start looking forward to next year. Many will love the rumors and speculation that will surround the team over the next five months or so until training camp starts. Trades happen and the Steelers are a team open to that version of talent acquisition.
Jonathan Allen would be a huge update for the Steelers defensive front
On the surface, it seems like the Steelers are in great shape regarding their defensive line. Cam Heyward is back healthy after missing most of the season due to a groin injury. Meanwhile Keeanu Benton played exemplary throughout his rookie campaign in the NFL.
Two issues with the defensive line, one being Heyward and his age, and two Larry Ogunjobi being inconsistent. If the Steelers can find a way to open up money to trade for Jonathan Allen, they should. He might even request a trade out of the Washington franchise.
Allen has been outspoken about wanting to win now. His frustrations with Washington is starting to bubble over and it is going to be hard for the team to keep him. The Steelers could get him on the cheap if he doesn't want to stay with the Commanders. Keep an eye on Allen.
Deebo Samuel could become a cap issue for the 49ers this offseason
This one might leave fans scratching their heads as the 49ers would want to keep Deebo Samuel for the duration of his career. Main issue here for San Francisco is their need to find some cap space to keep some players. Samuel costs a pretty penny and his fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk is looking for an extension.
The 49ers have a big decision to make when it comes to which receiver to keep around. That is where Samuel could become available this offseason via trade. The Steelers are in need of offensive weapons that are locked up for a little longer past next season.
Maybe giving up Diontae Johnson for Samuel straight up could make sense for both sides plus exchanging some picks. Adding someone like Samuel would be a great addition to a stale offense. He can catch the ball just about anywhere and run with the football too.
Inserting someone like Samuel would solve the slot receiver issue and also add some versatility when it comes to game planning. Trading away Johnson would make a need for another outside receiver, but Samuel is more dynamic. The Steelers should be making some calls if the 49ers make Samuel available.
Garett Bolles could be a great upgrade via trade for the Steelers
Offensive tackle is going to be a focus for the Steelers this offseason. It is time to move on from Dan Moore Jr. as a gurenteed starting tackle for the Steelers. He would be a nice depth piece behind Broderick Jones at left tackle and an outside option at right tackle.
Free agency and the draft might be the more likely options, but maybe searching for desperate teams could solve issues. The Denver Broncos are hurting with lack of draft capital, so they could be looking for picks. Trading a tackle could add some stockpile to their shelves.
Garett Bolles has been one of the better offensive tackles in the NFL over the past several years. He has routinely fallen under the radar by most media members that cover the league. With the Broncos seemingly in a rebuild scenario, the Steelers should be making plenty of calls to them over the next several months.
Bolles can play on both sides, but in this case he would be an upgrade over Moore on either side. Jones would slide over to the left side and Bolles would be the starter on the right. The Steelers offensive line would get a huge boost. This would be a nice move by Pittsburgh.
Justin Fields is the quarterback to watch for Pittsburgh acquiring via trade
Here we go again with the Justin Fields rumors out of Chicago this offseason. It seems like they could end up keeping him, but passing on some of these top quarterbacks in the draft would be an option tough to pass on. It makes sense why the Bears would be listening to offers as their putrid team tries to reload and try a new avenue.
Someone like Fields just seems like he needs a change of scenery. You can see the flashes of talent that he has with his game. Issue has been the lack of players and coaching around him in Chicago since entering the league. Maybe a jew environment would help him swim, and if not then his career will start to sink.
That is where the Steelers come into play as they have a stability at coaching and will have a new offensive coordinator to work with. Kenny Pickett would still be in Pittsburgh, but it would provide a real option to compete for the top spot. Fields has much more physical traits that the Steelers would love to have at the position that Pickett doesn't have.
Now with all this being said, dont go crazy on the trade offer to get Fields. Anything above a third round pick would be crazy. His fifth year option will need to be decided upon after this upcoming season, and that should drive some of his value down. The Steelers should look into a trade for Fields and make a deal if it is reasonable.