The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at 6-2, are bracing for a grueling second half of the 2024 season. They’ve shown significant improvement offensively, largely thanks to veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, whose experience and deep-ball accuracy have opened up Pittsburgh’s playbook.
Alongside him, Najee Harris has been crucial in the ground game, giving the Steelers a balanced offensive attack. However, the team has been lacking a truly threatening receiving corps, which has been a limiting factor in games.
After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a veteran receiver, the Steelers pulled the trigger on a trade for Mike Williams, sending a fifth-round pick to the New York Jets in return. By taking on the remaining $6.7 million of Williams’ salary, the Steelers gained a legitimate deep-ball threat.
Williams has averaged over 10 yards per reception every season since his 2017 debut, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make plays downfield. While he may be towards the end of his career, Williams’ size, experience, and track record suggest he can exceed expectations and bring immediate value to the Steelers’ offense.
Steelers won the NFL trade Deadline with an aggressive mentality
Yet, Pittsburgh wasn’t content with just bolstering their receiver room. With less than two hours remaining before the trade deadline, GM Omar Khan orchestrated another deal, this time with the Green Bay Packers, to bring in edge rusher Preston Smith.
Although not essential, adding Smith is a calculated move that strengthens the Steelers’ defense as they prepare to face some of the NFL’s most mobile quarterbacks in the weeks ahead, including Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, and Patrick Mahomes.
Smith has recorded over eight sacks in each of the last three seasons, proving he’s a consistent pass-rushing force. His ability to generate pressure off the edge will add a new dynamic to Pittsburgh’s defense, allowing them to contain mobile quarterbacks and disrupt plays from the outside. His presence will also take some pressure off T.J. Watt, allowing the Steelers to deploy multiple pass-rushing threats and create mismatches for opposing offensive lines.
These deadline deals reflect the Steelers’ “win-now” mentality. By acquiring a proven deep-ball receiver in Williams and a powerful edge rusher in Smith, Pittsburgh has positioned itself to tackle the toughest part of its schedule with a more balanced roster. While there’s no guarantee these acquisitions will provide long-term benefits, they serve the Steelers’ immediate objectives—building momentum and staying competitive in the AFC playoff race.
The Steelers made the most of this trade deadline, sending a clear message to the league that they’re all-in on making a serious playoff push this season.