The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking for ways to improve the offense. Even though the unit has not looked good lately, General Manager Omar Khan is constantly looking for quality defensive backs to bring in due to how injury-prone the position as a whole is. Even in a summer where injuries haven't been stacking up, the depth at that spot has been tested. Both Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean are on the injury report for Week 3, although it's still unclear if Porter's back issue is actually real or not.
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Joey Porter Jr. sits on the bench during a Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The larger concern, however, is at safety. DeShon Elliott was put on injured reserve (IR) to begin the season. Jaquan Brisker has played every game and seems to be fine, but he has dealt with some nagging issues of his own. Meanwhile, Rayshawn Jenkins has taken over as the safety next to Brisker in nickel packages, but he has arguably been the weak link on an otherwise solid defense.
What the Steelers really need is a reliable safety that doesn't require them to break the bank, and they may have that option. In an article from Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox recently brought up one player who fits this idea perfectly.
"Projected Trade Value: Conditional 2027 fourth-round pick," Knox said. "Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III is another impending 2027 free agent who could become a prime trade chip if his team continues to struggle. The Falcons have looked like one of the worst teams in football over the first two weeks... If [Michael] Penix cannot right the proverbial ship, Atlanta may start selling off veterans in preparation for the 2027 draft."
Jessie Bates III has been one of the better, more consistent safeties during his time in the NFL. The three-time All-Pro has been a constant force over the middle with the ability to play both safety positions. He has racked up five separate 100-tackle seasons, and it looks like he will reach that mark again in 2026. With his all-around abilities in coverage and tackling, it wouldn't be surprising to see Khan trying to trade for him.
If the Steelers can get Bates for a fourth-round pick -- conditional or not -- they should definitely pounce on that opportunity. Even if Elliott comes back healthy, having that thumper in the middle of the field could unlock another level to this defense. If Pittsburgh still has hope to make the playoffs by the trade deadline, Khan will definitely be working the phones with the Atlanta Falcons likely being a team to call.
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) jumps for a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Not only does Bates play fundamentally well, but he is also a big play magnet. He has recorded multiple interceptions in all but one season to go along with four defensive touchdowns. Most importantly for the Steelers, he typically doesn't have injury issues, as the veteran has missed three games throughout his entire career up to this point. There doesn't seem to be much here that Pittsburgh doesn't love about him.
Steelers May Use Bates As More Than A Rental
Outside of Elliott and seventh-round rookie Robert Spears-Jennings, none of the safeties currently on Pittsburgh's roster are expected to return in 2027. If Bates can come in and continue to play like he has been, he could earn a nice contract to keep him around for 2-3 years while the Steelers try and develop some young options like Spears-Jennings and a future rookie.
The offense still needs some work, but one thing that helps young quarterbacks develop is not having to do everything on their own. If Bates can be that final piece to the puzzle defensively, Will Howard and/or Drew Allar won't have to do too much to help secure wins whenever they get the shot to start. It's hard to justify not calling the Falcons and at least gauging trade interest.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly trading for Bates? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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