Steelers Fire Sale: Top 5 players who must be traded in 2024
By Tommy Jaggi
Although Pittsburgh was able to pull off a somewhat respectable record this season, it's easy to see that the Steelers are not ready to compete for a Super Bowl. Even after the firing of Matt Canada, the offense remained one of the worst units in the league. Meanwhile, pedestrian quarterback play and numerous gaping holes on the roster have been the downfall of the team.
With Omar Khan and Andy Weidl in the front office and looking to get things back on track, this duo could finally help build the foundation of a Super Bowl-contending football team. However, they can't do it with their current roster.
Some of the players on their current roster have proven to be cancerous to their cause or should no longer be in prominent roles. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in need of a fire sale in order to load up on draft capital and build the team the right way. These four players should be the first to be traded in 2024.
5. Chukwuma Okorafor, OT
Chukwuma Okorafor was apparently benched before Week 8 for comments that did not sit well with Mike Tomlin. But things were not going particularly well for the veteran offensive tackle before that point. Okorafor was unspectacular in his role as the starting RT, and fans called for Broderick Jones to get on the field.
Okorafor has lots of starting experience under his belt at this point, but improvements have been very minimal (if any) over the past few years. The Steelers clearly need another offensive tackle and depth at the position is important. However, there's not a chance they won't draft an OT in 2024 -- making Okorafor expendable.
While it doesn't seem like Chuks would hold much trade value, it's worth noting that -- even after six seasons -- he will be just 26 years old during the 2024 offseason. Teams are sure to have interest in a young player at a very important position with 59 starts under his belt, and trading him will be better than cutting him outright (which is a possibility considering his attitude and contract).
There's not a chance the Steelers are forking up over $11 million next year for an offensive tackle who is riding the bench. They will have to eat a bit of dead money in a deal, but at least they could recoup a Day 3 pick out of him in a trade.