Why WR shouldn’t be the priority at the deadline for the Steelers

As the NFL season inches closer to November, each game carries more and more significance for teams looking to make their playoff push. The November 4th trade deadline is an annual signpost that the NFL season has shifted from teams sorting their identity, to every Sunday feeling critical to playoff dreams. The deadline served as a final call for reinforcements for teams who feel they are few players away from being serious contenders. 

For the Steelers, it seems that one position has been at the forefront of the conversation at the trade deadline: wide receiver. It’s hard to think back to an NFL trade deadline where the Steelers seemingly needed a second wide out, or even a first. And with reports that the Steelers are looking to as a “speedster” by the deadline, it seems like the Steelers may finally make a splash move to solidify their improving offense. 

While a viable second option seems appealing, with the injury to Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson yet to make an impact, should another wideout really be top priority? Arthur Smith has formed a rather creative offense given the personal afforded to him. Playing a style of “bully ball” using an extra offensive lineman and Darnell Washington, who is an offensive lineman disguised as a tight end, the Steelers run game has become ultra effective. What’s more, is that Smith has generated play action opportunities giving Rodgers big targets in his tight ends Muth, Jonu, and Washington and DK Metcalf. 

So, even if DK had to miss time, it feels as though the team would still be capable enough to produce. That said, the second option would be vital for this team. Whether it’s a skill issue, lack of trust with the offensive staff, or they simply refuse to play him, we have not seen much of Roman Wilson. So it remains to be seen if he could step up should the Wide Receiver room face more injuries. However, I would argue that the wide receiver position should not priority one for this team heading into November. 

In a strange twist of irony, the defense needs desperate help at this point in the season. Despite being one of the highest paid defenses in the NFL the Steelers have given up a 100 yard rusher in all games but one, giving up 108 to the Bengals, who were one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL coming into the game against Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers should make a move for one or more of the following positions: Cornerback, Defensive Tackle, or Safety. On the back end the Steelers are seriously lacking in communication. There is confusion seemingly in every play, with Patrick Queen having to direct the linebackers pre snap. If available, the Steelers need to find a veteran safety who can iron out the communication issues in the back end. For the record, the Steelers are not able to bring back Minkah due to NFL rules. He would have to be cut.  At corner back, the Steelers desperately need better play at that position. Ramsey and JPJ (outside of a number of PI calls) have been serviceable, but Darius Slay has been less than impressive. 

The Steelers either need to let Echols get more time at the corner spot and hope that Trice Jr is able to stay healthy or make a move for a depth piece and let Slay take less snaps.

Defensive tackle is arguably the most crucial piece the Steelers need to acquire at the deadline. My pick would be making a move for Jeffrey Simmons from the 1-6 titans. Simmons is in the second year of a 4 year $94 million deal, and is only 28 (8 years younger than the Steelers current starter). Simmons has had 21 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season, and could bolster a struggling defensive line. This is where some will question, don’t the Steelers have a surplus of defensive tackles? Yes they do. They have Loudermilk, Benton and Heyward as veterans, drafted Harmon and Black, and signed Ekuale in free agency. 

The obvious answers here would be to move on from Loudermilk and Ekuale considering they don’t see a considerable amount of game time. A more aggressive option would be to consider moving either Heyward or Benton. These are uber aggressive moves, but the Steelers need to move on from the status quo because it has not worked. Heyward has been underwhelming and a far cry from the All Pro season last year that led him to “hold in” this offseason. Simmons is younger, more productive, and could boost the Steelers run game nearly immediately, and aid in the pass rush. 

The Steelers tend to let their vets retire as Steelers but if they are truly committed to this season as being a Super Bowl push, they need to make an out of character move. The defense has been abysmal, and while a second WR will certainly help, a defense boost would be just as needed.

Two other players that should be considered to be moved at the trade deadline should be Alex Highsmith and Pat Friermuth. I understand that these are fan favorites but again, these are spots where Pittsburgh needs to get aggressive. Both of them could help the Steelers get some impact players. Friermuth has been relatively invisible outside of last Thursday, and unless they plan on using him more as a second option, at least take calls on him. 

Highsmith is expensive at this point, and somewhat injury prone. With Herbig seeming to be ready to take over the starting role as younger, cheaper and at least equally as productive option, Highsmith could garner a high return at the deadline. These may seem like desperate moves, or at least unconventional, but the guys on the defense right now aren’t getting the job done and it’s time to get younger on defense. 

It could be argued that the defensive scheme is the issue in Pittsburgh, and I would agree with that idea. Teryl Austin has greatly underdelivered with the level of talent on that roster. They seem predictable and unproductive. There are a number of defensive coaches who would thrive with this level of talent, but the current staff is not doing so. 

However, at this point in the season changing coaches is as good as pulling the plug on the season. Future defensive coordinators could be discussed in the off season with Austin’s contract expiring at the end of 2025, at this point in time; the Steelers need to make aggressive moves at the trade deadline to bring help in to a defense that desperately needs it.