Steelers' Defensive Trade Targets Include An All-Pro And A Certain Piece Of Pittsburgh Royalty

The Pittsburgh Steelers and all 31 other organizations in the NFL are keeping their eyes and ears open as the trade deadline is quickly approaching. The date is set for November 4th, and teams around the league that believe they have a chance to contend will be looking to find the last missing piece for their roster. This is the time when franchises bring in some valuable depth, or even fill holes in their starting lineup. Pittsburgh could look to do that as the team is said to need help at wide receiver, but the team could also use additions elsewhere.

The Steelers have underperformed on defense as of late. The group has had trouble when it comes to defending both the run and the pass, but the play of the secondary has been especially concerning. In addition, the group is also beat up. DeShon Elliott went down with what looked like a pretty serious knee injury during Pittsburgh's loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night, which makes the safety position seem a little troubling. This could be an area for General Manager Omar Khan to look around as the trade deadline is coming up. Khan should check with teams that might be struggling, or have a surplus of talent at the position, and that will give the Steelers some good options.

1. Amani Hooker

Amani Hooker of the Tennessee Titans could be an intriguing option for Pittsburgh. The Titans are a team that is clearly very far away from being considered contenders in the NFL, especially as they have an interim head coach leading the squad. Cam Ward's development at quarterback is going to be the priority for the organization throughout the remainder of the 2025 season, and the franchise will likely look to move some of its larger contracts off of the books. This would allow for the team to bring in more draft capital to rebuild while also freeing up cap space.

Hooker signed a new extension near the start of the 2025 season, but he could still be moved. He is one of the more underrated safeties in the league and he probably wouldn't mind a change of scenery after seven years in Nashville.

2. Jessie Bates III

The Atlanta Falcons are an odd team in 2025. The group has some bad losses, but the offensive side of the ball is loaded with young talent. The franchise might not be sold on its second-year quarterback, and after falling to 3-4 following a blowout loss at home to the Miami Dolphins, it might be time to consider moving on from some older talent. Jessie Bates III fits that mold, and Pittsburgh fans are familiar with him from his time with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former All-Pro could be a huge help in the secondary.

Steelers Could Look To Acquire Former Player's Son

Carnell Lake was an outstanding defensive back for the Steelers throughout the 1990s, and now his son is making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Rams. Quentin Lake has played extremely well during the 2025 season, and it should be considered a long shot, or even out of the realm of possibility for Pittsburgh to land him, however the Rams have some decisions to make in the secondary. 

A lot of players are due some new deals, and it would make sense to trade players who might now see new contracts. Rams writer Brad Stuter discussed how Los Angeles could look to move a safety ahead of the deadline.

"Right now, the projected free agents from this team's secondary include safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl, as well as cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon," Stuter wrote. "Who should be paid? Who will be paid? Ah, there it is. the million-dollar question. As this team continues to enjoy success, the cost of extensions inflate. While Quentin Lake has played incredibly well, Curl and Kinchens are outstanding as well. There are only so many defensive snaps to go around."

The Rams have four safeties that are contributing well to the defense, and with Lake due a new deal after the season, the Steelers could swoop in and try to pick him up.

What do you think about the Steelers adding to the defense at the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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