3 Steelers Who Could Be Interesting Trade Targets Come Week 9 Deadline

As the 2023 NFL trade deadline approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers will certainly be in the AFC playoff mix come November. The team sits at 3-2 and prior to a Week 6 bye, was leading the AFC North. General Manager Omar Khan has led a much more aggressive front office than his predecessor, Kevin Colbert. All options are on the table with Khan and while it's more likely that the organization makes a small acquisition prior to Halloween, no one should rule out the team moving on from someone who may not be in the future plans. A few players in particular could come to fans' minds.

The Steelers may not be involved in any official trades for the remainder of the 2023 season, but Khan has proven that he will always be open to listening. An organization that historically drafts well would be foolish not to entertain offers that lead to more future draft capital. It all starts at the most important position on the field: quarterback.

1.) Mason Rudolph, Quarterback

There would be no reason for Pittsburgh to move on from backup, Mitchell Trubisky after extending his contract in the 2023 offseason. He seems to be a guy who will hang around, but Mason Rudolph is a different story. He shockingly re-signed with the Steelers after many expected him to find another home, but he came back to the city that he has called home since being drafted in 2018.

Any compensation for Rudolph at this point would be welcomed in the Steel City. The chances of him being called upon in a meaningful game in 2023 are slim to none, and while he is recognized as a great professional in the locker room, there is really no need to keep him around if a team is interested in using his services. The Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and New England Patriots are a few teams that could be in the market for a signal-caller.

2.) Gunner Olszewski, Wide Receiver

How in the world could a player like Gunner Olszewski have trade value after a rough tenure in Pittsburgh? Changes of scenery are sometimes looked at as a turning point for careers. Olszewski could be involved in that conversation when the trade deadline rolls around. He has provided little-to-no value, but has a resume that may be attractive for teams looking for a former special teams ace who can also contribute on offense.

Olszewski is similar to Rudolph when it comes to potential value. He is not going to draw any franchise-altering offers, but aside from him being the backup return man, it would make sense for the Steelers to get anything possible in return for someone who has had clear struggles of late and is in the final season of his contract. If any other organization is desperate enough for a former All-Pro returner, Olszewski could be at the top of their list. The team doesn't seem to plan on releasing him for inconsistent play, so a trade might be on the horizon.

3.) Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle

The trade deadline probably occurs too early for the Steelers to make the decision of moving on from starting right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor. He is, however, likely to be a financial casualty in 2024 given his near $12 million cap hit. No one knows for sure if Head Coach Mike Tomlin is ready to commit to Broderick Jones permanently at left tackle, but Dan Moore Jr. remains on his rookie contract and could swing over to the right side.

Steelers Don't Have Many Attractive, Reasonable Trade Options

At the end of the day, Pittsburgh doesn't possess many players on the current roster that will draw interest from other teams. The Steelers wouldn't field calls for the true play-making guys who would. These are three names to keep an eye on, however. Khan has been less than conventional in his young career as the organization's general manager and while he is more likely to be a buyer in 2023, thinking about the future on top of that could very well be on his mind.

Do you think the Steelers will look to trade any players on the currents roster in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation