The Pittsburgh Steelers stand at 4-2 on the 2023 NFL season through seven weeks. Despite the impressive record, the roster has some very clear weaknesses that the organization should think about addressing prior to the NFL's trade deadline on October 31st. The weaknesses that the Steelers have been rumored to try to fix are mainly in the defensive backfield, or even adding another wide receiver. New developments in the cornerbacks room show that now is the perfect time for the Steelers to add another cornerback to the roster.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. picks off the Ravens' Lamar Jackson, beating Odell Beckham Jr. to the ball in Week 5.
Steelers Need To Make A Move For A Good Cornerback Now
The Steelers had two cornerbacks pop up on the injury report over the last week since their Week 7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Levi Wallace has a foot injury, while rookie Joey Porter Jr. popped up on the injury report unexpectedly on Thursday with a calf injury. Porter Jr. said he still plans to play and his limited participation in practice was precautionary for the most part. Wallace has also been limited in practice with his foot injury.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers veteran Levi Wallace may see a few less snaps moving forward, as rookie Joey Porter Jr. continues to earn more playing time.
Even before his foot injury, it was obvious the Steelers needed to find a solution for Wallace's poor play. He has been an absolute liability as an outside corner. In 2023, he has already given up four touchdowns, and is allowing a 98.2 passer rating when he has been targeted. To make matters worse, he also has a missed tackle percentage of 14.3, so even once he gives up the completion, he still has issues getting the ball carrier down.
Porter Jr. on the other hand is someone all Steelers fans want to see more of. The rookie has been exciting for the Steelers defense when the Steelers decide to put him on the field. He had an interception late in the team's Week 5 victory against the Baltimore Ravens, and proved to be a shutdown corner in Week 7 against the impressive receivers of the Rams. Porter Jr. held Puka Nacua to zero receptions on three targets while having a pass break up. With both cornerback's nagging injuries and Wallace's extremely poor play, now is the perfect time to bring in a new cornerback ahead of the trade deadline.
Jae C. Hong / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers may be looking at current Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson for a potential 2023 trade
Who Should The Steelers Trade For?
Jaylon Johnson was the Chicago Bears second-round pick back in 2020, and has truly turned into an impressive player for the Windy City. There has been conflicting reports about whether or not the Bears are trying to shop Johnson, as they have also been trying to sign Johnson to an extension. Johnson and the Bears have both been open about their negotiations so far and the two sides seem to be finding it hard to come to an agreement - which may bode well for the Steelers' chances of trading for him.
Another reason to go after Johnson aside from him being a good player is that Steelers' Omar Khan has a good trade history with Bears GM Ryan Poles. Khan pulled off the masterful Chase Claypool for the 32nd overall pick deal, so there's a chance Khan can work his magic on Poles again and get Johnson for a discounted price.
Justin Tafoya / Getty Images
Denver Broncos star cornerback, Patrick Surtain II (#2) makes the signal for incomplete as he looks at the crowd at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver Colorado.
Pat Surtain II is more of a far-fetched option, and would likely be a lot more expensive than any other cornerback the Steelers could make a move for. The Denver Broncos seem to be clear sellers as their disappointing season continues on. It looks like anyone and everyone is available. However, Surtain II is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL already and he is just in year three. He will be extremely expensive not only in trade value, but also to sign to a contract extension after the fact.
Kamil Krzaczynski / AP
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander is one of the best in the league and possibly ripe for a trade.
Jaire Alexander is another elite cornerback the Steelers should possibly consider. He is only 26 years old, has been to the Pro Bowl twice, and has been selected to an All-Pro team twice. The Green Bay Packers are struggling behind their new starting quarterback Jordan Love, and might need to decide soon if they want to rebuild. They sit at 2-4, and after an eye opening loss to the Broncos, it might be time for them to accept that Love is not their quarterback or the future, and they should consider making some players available. Alexander would likely cost a first-round pick and some change, but would surely be worth it.
Who do you want to see the Steelers trade for ahead of the deadline? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
