The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently one of three teams in the AFC North sitting above the .500 mark.
But even at 4-2 and eyeing the franchise’s 33rd postseason appearance, the Steelers still look like a team that could use some additional help. And that help can come through the NFL trade market between now and the league’s Halloween deadline.
Who would be considered suitable targets for the Steelers?
Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Deadline Moves
Before the Steelers orchestrate any kind of roster movement, they will have to make moves that wouldn’t impact their minimal cap space.
Currently, the franchise has $3,907,638 to work with in cap space. They can certainly make an attempt to clear some space if they consider dealing away players on the final year of their contract — a la cornerback Levi Wallace ($4 million base salary for 2023) or defensive tackle Montravius Adams.
MORE: Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart
But the Steelers can dip into the trade market to bolster their chances of leapfrogging division leader Baltimore. And the first idea is a potential game-changer for the franchise.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
The Steelers have always operated as a “win now” franchise.
This is a “win now” move to attempt to lure Surtain II.
A move for Surtain, though, likely comes with a future first-round sacrifice on the Steelers’ end. But his style of play as an aggressive press-man corner fits perfectly for a team that prides itself on physicality.
He’d likely become an instant favorite for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who has aimed at running an aggressive defense and is a former defensive back himself. Assistant cornerbacks coach Gerald Alexander is another who’s capable of meshing with Surtain, given Alexander’s past of working with Xavien Howard with the Miami Dolphins and Cam Bynum during a time both were at the University of California.
The Steelers currently have allowed the 14th-fewest yards in the NFL. Surtain would catapult them into the top 10. And just imagine a Steelers defense with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Surtain as the quartet. A playoff-caliber defense gets solidified.
Mike Gesicki, TE, New England Patriots
Consider the tight end spot needing the ultimate boost for the Steelers offense.
Pat Freiermuth only has eight catches. Connor Heyward may have three touchdowns, but he has just seven receptions. Furthermore, both have a combined 118 yards. And the former is dealing with a hamstring injury.
MORE: AFC North Trade Candidates
Gesicki is the potential upgrade, and by the looks of things in Foxboro, he could be up for a change of scenery. He’s had just seven receptions in his last three games. He also hasn’t surpassed 40 receiving yards this season.
Kenny Pickett needs some underneath help down the road. Geisicki can be the boost needed to improve the TE spot.
Brian Burns, EDGE, Carolina Panthers
It’s the second year in a row Burns’ name has been linked as a trade contender.
But here’s the real reason why the need for an edge rusher has surfaced for a team loaded at the position: T.J. Watt is dealing with ligament tears in his dislocated finger.
Durability is now a concern for the Pro Bowler. And if he’s out, Highsmith will surely need help. That’s where the ultra-quick Burns comes in.
Burns is already on a winless team going through a coaching regime change. But being in Pittsburgh can promise more 1-on-1 battles — a breath of fresh air for edge rushers like him. A Day 2 or mid-round draft pick swap could do the fate-sealing move in getting Burns.
