Steelers’ Top Trade Candidates Ahead of 2023 Training Camp

So far, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason has gone well. By signing players like Patrick Peterson, Elandon Roberts, Isaac Seumalo, rookie tackle Broderick Jones, and rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., they addressed important needs in both the draft and free agency.

With a fairly full roster, Pittsburgh looks ready to build on its 9-8 season from the previous year, so before training camp opens on July 26, fans shouldn’t anticipate many significant moves.

However, this does not imply that the Steelers will remain unchanged prior to training camp. The squad seems to be preparing for a postseason run, and general manager Omar Khan will probably seize the chance to bolster the roster even further.

Pittsburgh does still have $12.3 million in cap space available, but it has other options outside free agency. The trade market, which produced wide receiver Allen Robinson II earlier in the summer, is another option the Steelers may consider.

We’ll look at three sensible trade prospects that Pittsburgh should consider making before Week 1 in the sections that follow, either to help acquire a player or to earn significant future draft capital.Omar Khan, the manager, will probably jump in.

narrow end Zach Gentry had limited playing time in his first two seasons with Pittsburgh, but in the past two years, he has begun to show promise. The 26-year-old caught 38 catches for 299 yards in 2021 and 2022. Last year, he participated in half of the offensive plays.Omar Khan, draft capital.manager, will probably jump in.

“In this draft class, Washington is the home run swing at tight end,” stated Derrik Klassen of the Scouting Department of Bleacher Report. “Players with his size and athletic ability do not come around often.”

Pitt might not require Gentry this season with Pat Freiermuth firmly established as the starter and Washington in the mix. Although having depth at tight end is always beneficial, Gentry could be able to provide more in a trade to a team that is weak at the position.

Although Pittsburgh would probably only receive Day 3 draft compensation in a trade, the Steelers would still save $1.1 million in 2023 cap space and would receive more than they would if Gentry left as a free agent in 2024.

It seemed certain that 2022 starter Kevin Dotson would lose out to Seumalo, who was signed to a three-year, $24 million contract to start at guard.

According to Dotson, “I mean, once you pay somebody, it’s set in stone regardless,” Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now reported.

In 2022, Dotson was just not good enough. Pro Football Focus claims that he was in charge of 12 penalties and four sacks given up. Kenny Pickett, the team’s quarterback, was starting to show that the Steelers needed an improvement.

Dotson is a free agent in 2024, so Pittsburgh needs to determine what to do with him at this point. He might be used as depth, but he could also turn into a desirable trade asset for a team that has doubts about its interior offensive line.

Dotson is still a 26-year-old lineman with 30 starts and one postseason trip under his belt, despite his poor play in the previous campaign. He would probably cost at least a late-round selection, and he might be included in a trade package to get a guy Pittsburgh could truly use in 2023.

It’s a lot for a backup guard, but Dotson’s cap cost this season is expected to be $2.9 million. By moving the Louisiana product before Week 1, the Steelers may save $2.7 million of that.

Just to be clear. Alex Highsmith, a linebacker and pass-rusher, is not someone the Steelers should be trying to trade this offseason. The soon-to-be 26-year-old is a talented backup to T.J. Watt and a rising star.

Highsmith recorded 14.5 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures in the previous campaign. Despite having the option to extend his contract, he is concentrated on the upcoming campaign.

Regarding an extension, Highsmith stated, “We’ll see when that time comes,” according to Joe Rutter of TribLive. At the moment, I’m employed. I really value my time spent with the guys and the team.”

Though the Steelers are often adept at holding onto their own players, there’s no assurance that they will be able to hold onto Highsmith should he become a free agent in 2024. Pittsburgh is already anticipated to exceed the threshold by $6.7 million in the upcoming year.

Furthermore, if Highsmith is sent to a team that desperately needs a pass rusher, he will surely return with a spicy trade package. He’s going to have a little under $3 million cap hit this season, but he’s also young and productive. Highsmith would be a welcome addition to almost any contender, and his value floor would probably be a high Day-2 draft pick.

The Steelers must think about trading Highsmith before perhaps losing him for a compensatory pick in 2024 free agency if they are unable to reach a long-term agreement before Week 1—again, they should attempt to do so.

Spotrac provides cap and contract information. Unless specified, advanced stats are from Pro Football Reference.