The Pittsburgh Steelers made two under-the-radar moves in the last week. However, none of them were for a major wide receiver or necessarily a big-name player. The team traded for former New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger ahead of their huge win over the Indianapolis Colts. On Tuesday, the Steelers also signed two-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad. While these moves are intriguing, they aren't what many fans of the Steel City were hoping for. Head Coach Mike Tomlin usually doesn't care about what the fans want though. In fact, he is way more focused on how a new player can fit in with the team if added.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Below is what co-host Chris Mack had to say via Kaboly + Mack on Wednesday regarding Tomlin's thought process when evaluating talent.
"I do think when it comes time to adding a player, I don't know if Mike Tomlin's first concern is, 'Oh, are we going to give up a fourth- and sixth-round pick?' I think his concern is more, 'How's he going to fit in?'"
This tends to be the right approach from great head coaches when they are deciding between adding and not adding players. First, coaches and general managers have to ask themselves if a certain player can fit in on the team. Will they be able to fit into their role and perform it well? Then, the front office can move forward and see what it will take to try and acquire that player. Or, if that player is a free agent, they need to check and see how much they can afford to pay him.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the phone with a draft pick.
All in all, the most important thought for almost every successful coach and general manager should revolve around the potential player being a good fit. If that player is not a good fit, it is not worth making the move.
For a player such as Dugger, the Steelers were okay giving up a sixth-round pick for the six-year veteran. That makes complete sense when you take into account Pittsburgh's need for a safety after the serious knee injury to veteran DeShon Elliott. Then, the simple practice squad addition of Valdes-Scantling has virtually no risk at all. His connection with four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their Green Bay days could be key, especially if he is added to the active roster. While these weren't crazy moves, they were moves that could have the potential to make the Steelers better. That is why Tomlin and Omar Khan did what they did.
Steelers Didn't Necessarily Need To Make Any Major Moves At The NFL Trade Deadline
While plenty of fans might be upset that the team didn't make any big trades, the current team that they watch on Sundays has a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens. Tomlin has guided his team to a solid 5-3 mark with some impressive wins thus far. The wins over the Colts and Patriots, who both have seven wins currently, are most impressive. Now, the team has its eyes set on locking down a home playoff game with a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Kyle Dugger gets involved on a tackle during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
After a big win over Indianapolis at home on Sunday, the Steelers will have their second game on Sunday Night Football in a span of two weeks as they face the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers on the road. A win here for Tomlin and the Steelers may all of a sudden look like a true Super Bowl contender. Not many folks were saying that just a few days ago. However, with the experience that was brought onto this roster by Khan and Tomlin, it makes plenty of sense that this team would be in this position.
Thoughts on Tomlin's possible mindset of a new player? Comment below!
#SteelerNation
