The Pittsburgh Steelers could add three big names to a blockbuster trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the lookout for a wide receiver, with Brandon Aiyuk currently being identified as their primary target. Recent reports suggest that Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders might also be in consideration, indicating the team’s readiness to make a significant move.
However, executing a major trade won’t be straightforward. The Steelers must ensure that their offer is compelling enough for players of Adams’s or Aiyuk’s caliber. Additionally, both teams must feel confident about their potential to remain competitive for a Super Bowl even after the trade, which could necessitate more than just a draft pick.
As trade talks intensify and the Steelers gear up to act, it’s important to speculate about potential players who could be available for trade before the season begins. Currently, there are several options worth considering.
Alex Highsmith
It would be counterintuitive for the Steelers to trade Highsmith if they aim to remain competitive for a playoff berth. Maintaining one of the most formidable edge rushing duos in the NFL, especially as T.J. Watt approaches 30 and Nick Herbig is only in his second year, is more advantageous than acquiring another wide receiver. Highsmith serves as a valuable insurance policy that could tip the scales towards victory in crucial late-season games.
However, despite Highsmith’s importance to the team, his name has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate. The 49ers, in particular, would likely be open to adding a standout edge rusher to complement Aiyuk following the departure of Chase Young. With Nick Bosa in need of a reliable partner, Highsmith could be a player of interest for San Francisco.
Dan Moore Jr.
The Steelers will need Troy Fautanu to make significant progress during training camp if they intend to part ways with Moore, but this move appears to be the most logical. By doing so, the Steelers could potentially replace their starting left tackle with two players who are poised to become starters by the following season. Additionally, they have Spencer Anderson, who can fill in at either tackle position, and they were impressed by Dylan Cook’s performance last year.
While Moore holds considerable value in Pittsburgh and serves as a buffer to prevent rushing a rookie into a starting role prematurely, all caution can be disregarded if acquiring a star wide receiver.
Damontae Kazee
The Steelers may need to take action to trade Kazee, but they are capable of doing so. DeShaun Elliott is set to be the starting safety, and the only scenario where the team might hesitate to part with Kazee is if they anticipate Elliott having to fill the slot cornerback position due to Cam Sutton’s suspension.
However, it would be more logical for the Steelers to sign Patrick Peterson or Chandon Sullivan rather than hold onto a player and miss out on a significant trade opportunity. While Kazee contributes to Pittsburgh’s defense, his absence is not as critical as Highsmith’s potential departure. The Steelers can manage to find a replacement for him.
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