It seems as though the trade banter is beginning to take off much earlier this season than it has in recent years, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers, that's perfectly fine.
This is a team that's currently 3-1 behind impressive quarterback play from Justin Fields and a defense that continues to look like one of the better units in football, but a missing piece or two could be the reason why the Steelers take a massive jump in the coming weeks.
The week began with some serious Davante Adams trade fodder, as things went from a mere whisper, to multiple rumors, to now a full-blown trade request out of the former All Pro wideout. Now, the Las Vegas Raiders are looking at dealing Adams, and a deal could be coming within the next week or so, according to multiple NFL insiders out of NFL Network speaking on Wednesday night's broadcast.
For the Steelers, Adams would make a ton of sense. However, so would some other names, if Adams were to get traded elsewhere. Recently, ESPN insider Dan Graziano included some Pittsburgh trade conversation in a column and mentioned Adams among other names to keep watch on for the Steelers.
The Steelers will likely be involved in Davante Adams and Amari Cooper trade discussions
So, are the Steelers in on Davante? Or is everything just a rumor up to this point?
"I would expect the Steelers to be in on Davante Adams," Graziano wrote.
More Steelers news:
Well, alright then. The Steelers are indeed going to try for an Adams trade. However, if not Adams, there's another former Pro Bowl talent available.
Graziano also threw out an AFC South name that's been involved in whispers lately:
"(Amari) Cooper would be one to watch for Pittsburgh, though it'd be an in-division trade, and those are tough to execute."
Ever since the Browns restructured Amari Cooper's deal just days ago, a trade seemed far more likely. Because Cooper's cap hit is now less than $1 million for a potential receiving team, in a trade, it makes him almost guaranteed to get dealt.
If not Adams or Cooper, Graziano went on to say he'd expect the Steelers to inquire about DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans or Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If this says anything at all, it's that the Brandon Aiyuk trade scenario essentially set the table for what was to come this season. Pittsburgh needed a wide receiver a couple of months ago, and that has yet to change.
While George Pickens is talented, getting another established veteran in there by his side would allow for far less pressure on the youngster. And, adding someone of the caliber of Adams, Cooper or even Hopkins could boost this offense in a big way. All of those players bring some still-elite traits to the table. Heck, even Kirk gives the Steelers a legitimate WR2 and someone who can stretch the field.
Will Pittsburgh make a move? My money says yes. But, for who? We'll find out.