Is anyone really that surprised that the Pittsburgh Steelers stayed quiet on the NFL trade deadline?
The Steelers are suffering from two afflictions this season: Matt Canada, and an unstable quarterback room. No trade was going to magically make those problems disappear. And any offensive pick-up would have likely been corrupted by Canada, so no sense in reaching for Jerry Jeudy or even Davante Adams (Ha! Can you imagine?) this year.
With plenty of questions clouding the offensive identity of this team, it's the defense instead that could stand to add a few star pieces. Pittsburgh doesn't exactly have a Super Bowl window and may not be in contention for several years depending on how the quarterback situation plays out. Still, fans would have loved to see the defense get richer with one or two savvy moves.
Here are three trades the Steelers should've reeled in on deadline day
Jaylon Johnson, CB
In the Steelers' defense, this isn't Madden. They can't force a team to trade with them. Based on recent reports on Jaylon Johnson's availability, it seems like the Bears were the one who shut down trade talks and decided to hold onto Johnson.
Johnson was one of the most rumored trade chips going into October 31, especially after the Bears initially granted him permision to seek a trade.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Steelers appeared to be in the final pool of suitors along with the Bills and 49ers. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Steelers made a "very strong push" for Johnson but were ultimately denied.
The 24-year-old star corner will be a free agent this offseason, at which point he'll likely garner interest from the entire league. Trading for Johnson mid-season would have provided a tremendous boost to the Steelers' defense and upped morale as well.
Unfortunately for Steelers fans, this isn't Christmas. No presents for the defense this year. It's Halloween instead, and it looks like the Steelers will have to stick it out for another eight weeks in the terrifying AFC North.
Justin Simmons, S
A third-round pick for Justin Simmons would have made any Steelers fan's day. Pittsburgh wasn't necessarily looking for safeties this trade deadline given the amount of talent they have at the position; still, Simmons boasts valuable skills that can improve the lackluster pass defense and get the team one step closer to contention.
Trading for Simmons would feel a lot like trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick back in 2019. The two of them in the backfield for years to come could put the team on track to become a defensive dynasty, even if the offense doesn't reach expectations.
Simmons currently has two picks in six games and has recorded at least two picks in every single season in the NFL. The hawkeyed safety would command something in the ballpark of a third-rounder, which seems well worth it in the long run.
Unless the Steelers decide to sell the farm in the near future, picking up Simmons and/ or other aggressive defensive stars gives the team the best chance at surviving -- and hopefully, at some point in the future, thriving -- in the physical AFC North.
Any center to replace Mason Cole
Any center. We're not picky. Any one will do.
Some names on potential sellers include Titans' Aaron Brewer, Patriots' David Andrews, and Rams' Brian Allen. All are worthwhile upgrades to current center Mason Cole, who has been having himself an atrocious season.
Cole has a 47.4 overall PFF grade on the year and has been criticized week after week for his snaps and blocking skills.
The Steelers don't have any other option than to start Cole right now, and maybe a change at center could serve as the catalyst of much-needed change in the anemic offense. Replacing one's center in the middle of the season could cause all kinds of offensive problems, particularly for the still-struggling Kenny Pickett. But can the offense really get any worse?
Through eight weeks of the season, the Steelers rank 28th in rushing yards per game and 25th in passing yards per game. They're putting up a measly 16.1 points every week. Not much to salvage there.
Compared to the Steelers' skill players and his O-line teammates, Cole is one blatantly underperforming member of the offense that needs to go. Him and Matt Canada, of course.
