Steelers should take a swing at polarizing first-round CB before NFL trade deadline

The NFL trade deadline offers opportunities for teams in different places. Bottom-dwelling teams with no hope of competing in 2024 can unload talent for future draft capital, while competitive teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers should be looking to load up before the clock ticks away on the deadline.

Pittsburgh desperately sought wide receiver help since the offseason, but they were never able to execute a trade. While the Steelers could still use a wide receiver before the deadline, they shouldn't close the door on any opportunities when it comes to taking stabs on talented players to better their team.

One player who could be on the market is Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Josina Anderson reports the former first-round CB has garnered interest at the deadline and he could be available for trade.

Forbes was the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but has struggled mightily in his first two NFL seasons in Washington. This was surprising to see, considering how well the former Mississippi State cornerback performed against SEC competition prior to being selected in the first round.

If the Commanders are willing to turn the page on Forbes, the Steelers should come calling.

Steelers should trade for Emmanuel Forbes

Emmanuel Forbes isn't exactly the prototype cornerback prospect. At the 2023 NFL Combine, the talented cornerback weighed in at a mere 166 pounds. While his playing weight is listed at 180 pounds these days, his lack of strength to reroute wide receivers could be contributing to his poor play in his first two seasons.

Still, there are more than enough reasons to be intrigued by a potential trade.

Despite his wiry frame, Forbes is nearly 6'1'' and his 79'' wingspan puts him in the 92nd percentile among all NFL cornerbacks, according to Mockdraftable. Forbes also has 4.35 speed to go with his impressive length.

In three seasons in the SEC, Forbes raked in 14 interceptions while returning six picks for defensive touchdowns. With his ball production, length, and athletic traits, it wasn't hard to see why he was selected in the first round.

Because the early part of his career has been so bad, Forbes wouldn't be guaranteed to work out in Pittsburgh. Heck, he could even prove to be the next Devin Bush-like bust. But for a team looking for length and depth at boundary cornerback, a trade for Forbes is a worthwhile gamble.

Just two years after being selected in the middle of the first round, the Commanders may be willing to part with Forbes for a high Day 3 draft choice. The Steelers, meanwhile, have a pair of fifth-round picks in the upcoming draft. Forbes is just 23 years old with two years remaining on his rookie contract.

Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to unlock a player's potential. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. has physical traits and ball skills worth betting on, and the Pittsburgh Steelers should trade for him before the deadline today.