The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Miami to take on the Miami Dolphins for their Week 6 matchup and completely laid an egg in a game that was very crucial in their chances of making the playoffs. The defense played one of their best games in quite some time only giving up 16 points, all of which came in the first half. The Steelers were unable to get pressure on Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa which put a tremendous amount of pressure on the secondary, but for the second week in a row, they stepped up and delivered a solid overall performance.
Unfortunately, the defense's solid performance wasn't enough, and four dropped interceptions proved to be costly. The Steelers fell to 2-5 and now have to take on the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. The thought of making the playoffs is a long shot at this very moment, and with the trade deadline quickly approaching many questions still surround the Steelers and the direction they might head at the deadline.
There has been a significant amount of trade rumors surrounding the Steelers' 2020 second-round pick Chase Claypool. Claypool has had an up-and-down first couple of seasons in the NFL but has shown positive strides as of late. He has been linked to both the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans as possible destinations. There are many players we could see the Steelers potentially move before the trade deadline, but I believe there are a few that are untouchable.
Which Players Should The Steelers Make Unavailable At The Trade Deadline?
T.J Watt
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
This is no surprise, T.J Watt is by far the most valuable player on the Steelers and without him, this defense as a whole would look completely different. The reigning NFL Defensive Player Of The Year looks to return to the lineup after the bye week and I would expect to see him make a significant impact on the field right away.
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
This should also come to fans with little surprise, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been one of the top safeties in the NFL since he joined the Steelers in 2019. His splash-playmaking ability is unlike any other in the league. If it wasn't for him and his pick-six in the Steelers' Week 1 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers could very well be sitting at a record of 1-6.
George Pickens
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Known throughout the entire league for arguably making the catch of the year in the Week 3 matchup with the Cleveland Browns, rookie receiver George Pickens has been making a name for himself as of late. Pickens caught his first career touchdown pass last weekend against the Dolphins and seems to be one of the top targets in recent weeks. I would expect to see Pickens playing in Pittsburgh for many years to come.
Kenny Pickett
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo Credit: Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Last but certainly not least, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett is the future of the franchise and looks to be the starting quarterback for years to come. His playmaking ability, along with his football IQ is going to make him one of the top quarterbacks in the AFC. Although his stats are nothing that will blow you away, he has shown he can make big-time plays in crucial moments of games. He did throw two late interceptions against the Dolphins, but those are rookie mistakes and he will get those out of his system and be the face of the franchise very soon.
The future looks bright for the offense and Pickett will be the key to the Steelers' success over the next decade.
What do you think? Is there anyone you would add to or subtract from this list? Tell us what you think in the comment section below or on my Twitter @collinlschmitt.
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