Steelers Could Potentially Undo Terrible Trade From 2018

Under new management, the Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to erase a recent history of mediocrity and poor offseason decisions. In his short tenure as general manager, Omar Khan has been much more aggressive than Kevin Colbert, signing more free agents and making several trades. In the upcoming 2024 offseason, Khan has the ability to make a move that could erase a very subtle, but impactful failure from Colbert's reign, and it might not be a difficult task, considering the circumstances. 

Steelers Fail To Fix A Key Issue

During roster cutdown day in 2018, the Steelers made a trade that did not seem very impactful. Pittsburgh sent a fifth-round pick to the then-Oakland Raiders in exchange for Ryan Switzer and a sixth-round pick. Switzer struggled to be the special teams weapon that the Steelers hoped he would be, and he was eventually benched in 2019. He was released just before Week 1 of 2020.

The Steelers also had the Raiders' sixth-round pick to work with from the deal. Sixth rounders are normally not expected to work out, but Sutton Smith did worse than expected. He was quickly moved from edge rusher to fullback in an attempt to keep him on the team. Meanwhile, the Raiders took the fifth they received and traded up to select a key part of their offense. 

He has never been the flashiest option, but Hunter Renfrow has been more than what the Raiders had hoped for when they selected him in the fifth round. After recording a 1,000-yard season and a Pro Bowl nod, he lost snaps due to injuries, as well as the team making a blockbuster trade for Davante Adams and signing Josh McDaniels' top receiver from the New England Patriots, Jakobi Meyers. 

Steelers Could Still End Up With Renfrow

Despite signing a two-year extension in that same offseason, many sources have claimed that Renfrow is expected to be cut. Renfrow has been rumored to be traded since his extension took effect as well. All signs are pointing to Renfrow wearing another jersey in 2024, whether it happens via trade or release. The Steelers should look closely into this scenario. 

The Steelers have plenty of talent at the wide receiver position, but they lack consistency and depth, especially at the slot position. A threat like Renfrow could be exactly what the Steelers need. With the Raiders seemingly being desperate to move on, Khan could orchestrate a trade where the Steelers give up very little in assets, similar to the Allen Robinson II deal from 2023. 

The Steelers could still sign him if he gets cut, since his lack of usage will likely hurt his overall value. It helps that the salary cap shot up in 2024, and the Steelers could still release Robinson to save even more money. Since Renfrow has lost time to Adams and Meyers, he still likely has plenty left in the tank. Even if he doesn't, he could help mentor Calvin Austin III into being a quality receiver and returner. 

If Renfrow can prove that the Raiders made a mistake in investing heavily in his replacements, he could be a bargain of a signing for a slot-needy team like the Steelers. His strong hands and speed could add another dimension to the Steelers' young, offensive attack. If not, then he could be a cheap veteran that could step into Robinson's role and act as a coach on the field. 

What do you think about the Ryan Switzer trade, as well as the Las Vegas Raiders wanting to get rid of their part of the trade? Would it help the Steelers to bring him home and undo the trade? Let us know in the comments.

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