Steelers Encouraged To Trade For A Defensive Player Amid Early Season Struggles

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive unit had their best game of the season so far against the New England Patriots in Week 3. Team captain and defensive tackle Cam Heyward thrived throughout all four quarters of the matchup, with the veteran getting credit for 6 tackles and sack in the road win. The unit as a whole was able to perform at an elite level for the first time in 2025 as multiple key players were able to make a crucial impact when it came to causing turnovers.

Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was excellent during his NFL debut. The Steelers' first-round selection was credited with two tackles throughout Sunday's matchup while recording his first career sack as well. Speculation still surrounds Pittsburgh's defensive unit however, despite an excellent performance throughout Sunday's matchup, as NFL insider Dan Graziano recently released a report stating that the team could still be on the market for defensive talent.

The insider claims that the Steelers have pivoted, and the team will now focus on bolstering the defense, despite an underwhelming start to the season for the offensive line.

"I feel the Steelers have pivoted a bit," Graziano stated.

Graziano then continued to go more in depth in regards to what move Pittsburgh could potentially make, as the insider highlighted the team's defensive struggles early on.

"And if they make an in-season move, it would most likely be to help their struggling defense," said Graziano.

Graziano's report could receive a number of mixed reviews from Steelers fans. Adding depth to the defensive line could certainly be beneficial, but the offensive line has continued to be a major cause for concern throughout the first three weeks of the season. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently in his 21st NFL season at age 41, as limiting the amount of hits he takes throughout 2025 will be absolutely crucial to the team's overall success moving forward.

The Steelers' defense has slowly shown signs of improvement as the season rolls on. The unit was able to hold promising quarterback Drake Maye and the rest of the Patriots' offense to just 14 points, as New England coughed up an alarming total of five fumbles throughout the course of the afternoon as well. The defense will look to continue playing at a high level on Sunday as the Steelers will be in Ireland to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.

Steelers' Offensive Line Struggles Continue To Be A Cause For Concern

The offensive line will need to do a much better job in protecting Rodgers throughout the rest of the season. Rodgers was not sacked during Sunday's matchup in New England, however he was sacked seven times during the first two weeks of the season with multiple additional pressures. Both Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones will be tasked with crucial rolls for the remainder of 2025 as keeping a 41 year old Rodgers on his feet will be absolutely necessary as the season advances.

Week 3's effort from the offensive line is a very promising sign moving froward. The unit undoubtedly  had its best showing of the season, but the offensive line will still need to play at a higher level to ensure the safety of their veteran quarterback.

Overall, Graziano's report could come as a surprise to many Steelers fans. The offensive line has been one of the main causes for concern over the first three weeks of the season despite the defensive struggles. Pittsburgh's offensive and defensive lines had a better game against the Patriots, as both units will look to carry Week 3's momentum into Sunday's matchup against the Vikings in Ireland.

Do you think the Steelers should trade for a defensive player in the near future? Has the offensive line's struggles over the first three weeks of the season concerned you? Let us know in the comments down below!

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