By Aadi
SteelerNation.com
The trade-back-for-a-player scenario has become quite common in the NFL. Even the Steelers, who tend not to be too aggressive, have shown a liking towards this kind of deal. Tight End Vance McDonald was traded to the Steelers with a 5th round pick for a Steelers 4th-rounder. Wide Receiver Ryan Switzer was traded to the Steelers along with a 6th round pick for a Steelers 5th-rounder. These kinds of trades have given away multiple young talented players, without any real loss in draft capital and often only slight moves back into other rounds.
Scenario 1:
Steelers receive TE Cameron Brate, Buccaneers 4th round pick; Buccaneers receive Steelers 3rd round pick: The Steelers need depth at TE, especially considering McDonald's injury history and their love for some two-TE sets. Brate and McDonald would be an exciting camp battle, but either way, the Steelers will have two solid, more-than-capable, starting Tight Ends. Brate was never one of the top tight ends in the league, but for a couple years, his connection with Jameis Winston was outstanding. On the other hand, it makes a ton of sense for Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers to send Brate to the Steelers. Brate has a large contract, and OJ Howard's breakout year has made Brate expendable.
Scenario 2:
Steelers receive CB Sidney Jones, 5th round pick; Eagles receive Steelers 4th round pick: Once a second-round pick with high expectations, Jones has barely been on the field for Philadelphia. But Cornerbacks like Avontae Maddox, Jalen Mills, Rasul Douglas, and Ronald Darby have stepped up for the team, making Jones the odd man out. Jones is still really talented, if injury prone, and could offer some depth and starter potential for the Steelers if Steven Nelson does not pan out or if Joe Haden falls off.
Scenario 3:
Steelers receive S Reshad Jones, 5th round pick; Dolphins receive 4th round pick: With Morgan Burnett being one of the Steelers' worst investments in recent memory, the Steelers need some depth at the safety position. Reshad Jones is a veteran with considerable experience and success in the NFL, and the Dolphins are pretty well off with Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Mcdonald. Moreover, Jones carries a pretty substantial contract which could be tough for the Dolphins to find excuses for, especially considering they are once again in the process of a rebuild. For the Steelers, Jones provides more flexibility on the field and in the draft. They can run more formations with 3 safeties, and they might be able to put Jones or Edmunds in the box on passing situations. Having someone like Jones allows the team to take a safety later on in the draft.
Scenario 4:
Steelers receive LB Haason Reddick, 4th round pick; Cardinals receive Steelers 3rd round pick: Haason Reddick was once one of the most athletic, high-upside linebackers in his draft class. But he has not panned out well in Arizona. He could be a cheaper option at linebacker just in case the Steelers miss out on Devin Bush. Reddick and whoever else the Steelers take could battle for a starting spot for the next season.
Let us know what you think of these possible scenarios in the comments below!
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