The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has found itself under the microscope throughout this season, with a particular focus on the improvements of the offensive line. The question of whether Dan Moore Jr. should maintain his starting position or if rookie Broderick Jones is a better fit has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Interestingly, Moore Jr. showcased one of his best performances in a recent showdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7. ESPN reporter, Brooke Pryor, offers a unique perspective, suggesting that this might be the ideal time for the Steelers to consider a high-value trade involving Moore Jr.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_Photo)
Steelers 2021 fourth-rounder Dan Moore Jr. started right away for the Steelers, and he now has 38 career starts under his belt.
“This is a long shot, but if the Steelers wanted to make a splash, they could do worse than trading their starting left tackle -- especially with a first-round rookie waiting in the wings. Broderick Jones, the No. 14 overall pick in April's draft, played well in place of the injured Moore against the Ravens in Week 5, but the Steelers restored a now-healthy Moore back to his starting spot in Week 7.”
Pryor's reasoning is intriguing. As she pointed out, Jones had an impressive outing when he replaced the injured Moore Jr. in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. Nevertheless, the Steelers reinstated a now-healthy Moore back into his starting role in Week 7.
According to Pryor, the potential upside of Moore Jr. as a trade asset might be worth exploring, particularly if it means addressing the needs of a team desperate for improvements along their offensive line. She believes that Moore, with 38 NFL starts to his name, could potentially command a decent return in a trade scenario. However, the situation isn't as straightforward as it might seem, given the Steelers' somewhat shaky tackle depth behind Moore and Jones.
“With 38 NFL starts under his belt, Moore could fetch a decent return from offensive-line-needy teams. But because Pittsburgh's tackle depth behind Moore and Jones is shaky, it's not a move that would behoove the organization.”
Pryor's suggestion hinges on several key factors that merit a closer look. Let's dissect the situation and consider the economic wisdom behind such a trade.
Steelers' Broderick Jones: A Future Star in the Making
Pryor's observation of Jones' performance during his opportunity to shine against the Ravens is indeed noteworthy. The fact that a first-round rookie like Jones stepped up in the absence of Moore Jr. is an indication of his potential and future promise. His standout performance raises questions about the Steelers' long-term strategy for their offensive line.
Associated Press
Steelers rookie left tackle Broderick Jones is doing all he can to win the starting Left Tackle spot in 2023
Dan Moore Jr., A Valuable Trade Asset
Pryor's point about Moore Jr. being a valuable trade asset is supported by the tackle's experience in the NFL. With 38 starts to his name, Moore brings a level of expertise and know-how that can be an asset to any team looking to bolster its offensive line. In a league where protecting the quarterback's blind side is paramount, an experienced tackle like Moore holds significant value.
Team Needs and Desperation
Another key aspect to consider is the state of other NFL teams. The demand for quality offensive linemen is high, and there are teams struggling to secure effective protection for their quarterbacks, for example the New York Giants. A trade involving Moore Jr. could be economically wise for both the Steelers and a team in dire need of a reliable left tackle.
Steelers' Tackle Depth: A Shaky Situation
Pryor astutely points out that while trading Moore Jr. could potentially be a profitable move, it's not without risks. The Steelers' tackle depth is currently not the most reassuring. In the event of an injury to Moore or Jones, the team might find itself in a precarious situation with limited experienced options. The economic wisdom of such a trade would, therefore, depend on the Steelers' ability to address this depth issue or their confidence in Jones' readiness to take on a full-time starting role.
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The Steelers have brought in lots of competition for last year's starters on offensive line and are banking on the units improvement because it..
Economic Wisdom: Balancing Assets and Needs
Ultimately, the concept of a Moore Jr. trade being economically wise hinges on the Steelers' ability to balance their assets and needs. Trading Moore Jr. could bring in valuable resources in the form of draft picks or players, strengthening the team in other areas. However, this would need to be weighed against the potential vulnerability created by a thinner tackle depth chart.
The economic wisdom of the trade becomes a matter of risk assessment. The Steelers must gauge the risk of losing Moore, a known asset, against the potential rewards of acquiring additional assets. It's a complex equation that factors in the team's immediate and long-term goals, the condition of the trade market, and the performance of Jones as a viable replacement.
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