Three Steelers trade prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL deadline
The Pittsburgh Steelers are only half a game behind the leaders in the AFC North going into Week 7, despite having given up the third-highest yards per game and scoring the third-fewest yards per game in the NFL. Their record is 3-2. The Steelers have been grinding out close wins by forcing their opponents to make mistakes with their ugly but efficient brand of football.
The Steelers will try to add some key players as the NFL trade deadline draws near in order to strengthen their chances of making the playoffs. Here are three early trade candidates for Pittsburgh in front of the 2023 NFL trade deadline, given their clear needs on the offensive and defensive lines.
The offensive line’s subpar performance is the root of Pittsburgh’s offensive problems. Broderick Jones and Isaac Seumalo are the only two players in Pro Football Focus’ player grade who fall into the “Average” category. Dan Moore Jr., a left tackle, has been the weakest of the group. His PFF score of 29.3 places him considerably below the 49.9 criteria for the “Poor” category, which is the lowest possible classification.
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Garett Bolles is among the top offensive linemen available before the deadline. Despite never having been nominated for a Pro Bowl (his only accolade was an All-Pro Second Team mention in 2020), the 31-year-old has been a reliable starter for the entirety of his seven NFL seasons. Given Denver’s difficulties this season, selling the team’s assets is a question of time. First-round pick Broderick Jones of Georgia would start at right tackle, with Bolles taking over as the starting left tackle right away. Although Jones will eventually take over at left tackle, the organization has allowed him to work at right tackle this season.
Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos is one of the top offensive linemen available before the deadline. Throughout his seven NFL seasons, the 31-year-old has been a reliable starter, despite never having been nominated for the Pro Bowl (his only award was an All-Pro Second Team selection in 2020). It is only a matter of time until Denver begins to sell its assets given its current season’s troubles. The rookie Broderick Jones, a first-round selection out of Georgia, would shift to right tackle, with Bolles taking over as the starting left tackle right away. Jones will eventually take over at left tackle, but this season the team has given him workouts at right tackle and
He can play either side with ease.
Garett Bolles, a reliable tackle, would strengthen this unsteady Pittsburgh offense right away.
When Cameron Heyward was injured in Week 1, it dealt a severe blow to an already depleted defensive line. The recurring Pro Bowl player had surgery to repair a torn groin, and the recovery might take eight weeks. The Steelers’ run defense has been dreadful without him. The squad is allowing the fourth-worst amount of ground yards per game in the league, 143.8. Although rookie Keeanu Benton has performed well off the bench, this team still lacks depth.
Keeanu Benton, a rookie, has performed well off the bench, but this team still needs more depth.
With the eighth-highest passing yards allowed per game, the Steelers’ secondary has not fared much better via the air than their defensive line, which has struggled to stop opponents on the ground. With a quarterback rating of 111.8 when targeted, including a team-high four touchdowns, it is evident that Patrick Peterson is not the superior cornerback he once was. Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan have underwhelmed, leaving Pittsburgh with serious concerns in the secondary, despite rookie Joey Porter Jr.’s good debut.
Jaylon Johnson, the cornerback for the Chicago Bears, is the best player available in trade. With just 57.4 passer rating allowed, Johnson has allowed five completions on 11 targets for 46 yards and zero touchdowns. Fourth-year athlete X is
