Just a few weeks ago, we expected the Steelers to be major sellers at the NFL trade deadline. It’s amazing what just one win will do to change the outloook of a season. We have said all along that if this team could get to 3-5 at the bye, they would almost certainly be looking to add a player. Here are seven potential Steelers trade targets to keep an eye on as the deadline nears:
1. Steven Nelson:
Old friend Steven Nelson is currently playing in Houston as one of their starting corners. With the Texans in a deep rebuild, it shouldn’t take much to get them to part ways with a veteran corner like Nelson. PFF has the former Steelers corner at a respectable 68.5 for an overall ranking. With the rash of injuries at corner, and the overall lack in talent at that position, Nelson would be a welcomed addition.
Compensation: Late round pick in 2023
2. William Jackson III:
There has been a lot of buzz out of Washington that William Jackson III is unhappy with his role with the Commanders. Reports say that Washington’s brass is all too willing to move on from their starting corner. This would seem like a no-brainer move for the Steelers. They had clear interest in him going into the 2017 draft.
One thing to keep an eye on here, it is being reported that Jackson may have some kind of back injury. If Pittsburgh determines he is healthy enough to play, Jackson would immediately become the best corner back on the roster. There is also a hefty salary of $14 million due in 2023. That could be used to drive down the Washington asking price.
Compensation: Mid round pick in 2023
3. Clelin Ferrell:
There’s no question that Clelin Ferrell has been one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory. Seems like everyone accept the Raiders understood he was not a top five talent coming out of the 2019 draft. The Steelers would be betting on traits here to add much needed depth to their edge rushing room. Ferrell does have the athletic profile of at least a decent defensive player. Maybe a change of scenery is just what this player needs.
Compensation: Late round pick in 2023
4. K’Lavon Chaisson:
Yet another young, underperforming edge rusher who could be available at the trade deadline is K’Lavon Chaisson of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chaisson is currently on IR with a knee injury, making this trade a bit tricky. If all goes well, he should be back after the Steelers bye week. This would be a very nice depth addition for a very thin edge rushing room in Pittsburgh. We had mentioned him as a possible before the season addition for this club as well. Seven edge rushers the Steelers could add in the coming weeks
Compensation: Mid round pick in 2023
5. Roquan Smith:
If there was one of the seven Steelers trade targets in this article who could really move the needle in 2022, it would be linebacker Roquan Smith. This team has a history of going “yolo” and making a big time move on defense. The Minkah Fitzpatrick move is evidence of that. Adding Smith to a linebacker core of TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Miles Jack would make for a dream scenario on defense. We have come to the point where waiting for Devin Bush to return to form may never happen.
Being that this is the last year of his contract in Chicago, the Bears are almost certain to move the unhappy Smith. This is one to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks.
Compensation: Chase Claypool and a third round pick
6. Cordarrelle Patterson:
Acquiring Cordarrelle Patterson is a long shot in many ways, but we thought we’d throw it in just in case. Cordarrelle Patterson is not just a running back, he is an all around weapon on offense. This is another player currently on IR, but who is projected to be back in a few weeks. The Pittsburgh offense could really use the kind of big play ability Patterson brings.
Compensation: Mid to late round pick in 2023.
7. Trent Brown:
Depending on how well New England does in its next two games will go a long way in determining if Trent Brown will be available come the trade deadline. Brown is a massive man who may actually be better suited at guard. He would be a welcome addition after the play of Kevin Dotson recently. If the Steelers really want to fix their ailing run game, this is the move. Brown would be among the most expensive Steelers trade targets in terms of compensation, but probably the most impactful.
Compensation: 2nd or 3rd round pick in 2023.