"Certainly Making A Move": Steelers Making Another Trade Now Possible

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 27-24 to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night on national television. After starting the game with a 17-play touchdown drive, the offense disappeared essentially until the fourth quarter, when it scored 14 points in a last-ditch effort. Neither side of the ball came to play as the defense couldn't tackle any Browns ball carrier and reverted to its communication issues. They now have a mini-bye week to prepare for the Indianapolis Colts, and with the injuries in the secondary, they need every minute of the break. 

On Wednesday, it was announced that Joey Porter Jr. would not be suiting up for Omar Khan and the Steelers. That same night, Porter was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, ending his tenure in Pittsburgh after just three seasons. The defense had been without its top cornerback all season, so nothing changed personnel-wise, but the expectation was always that he would play this season. Now that he's gone, they can't rely on him. With injuries piling up, a trade may very well be in the cards at some point this season. 

Veteran Jamel Dean has been battling an ankle injury since Week 1 and hurt it again against the Browns. The cornerback would not return to the game, forcing rookie third-round pick Daylen Everette to play the rest of the contest. Everette is a good prospect, but he proved that he might yet be ready for the big leagues. With all of these moving pieces in the puzzle, one insider believes a trade may be imminent at some point this season. 

Recently, on The Pomp and Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked if a trade could be coming in the secondary with all of the injuries. Fittipaldo believes a trade is certainly possible, but that scenario depends on the team's record by then. If Pittsburgh is still in it come late October, a trade is very likely for the franchise. 

"If they continue to struggle and they're still in it by late October, then yes, certainly making a move for a corner from another team, a starter, is certainly in play," Fittipaldo stated. 

With how the first four weeks of the season have gone, there's no telling what the team's record will be near the trade deadline. The Steelers have been way too inconsistent on both sides of the ball to make any definitive conclusions. Still, if they have a winning record by the November 10th trade deadline, they will likely trade for a starting cornerback, but who is the big question. 

Every team likely still believes the ship hasn't sunk yet and their season can be savored, Pittsburgh included. No one is necessarily making their players available in Week 4. Starting cornerbacks are hard to find and even harder at the NFL trade deadline when bad teams typically unload their good players. Teams are usually bad because they lack talent, and there likely aren't any teams the Steelers could make a move with that would be worthwhile. 

The current free agent market is no better, with Adoree Jackson, Eric Stokes, and Tre'Davious White being among arguably the best options. Many fans also argue that none of the names listed are better options than what is currently on the roster. 

Steelers Need Daylen Everette To Step Up

Dean's injury was recently reported as a low ankle sprain, and there is currently no timetable for his return. That likely means more playing time for the third-round rookie, who was less than inspiring against the Browns. If the Steelers' defense wants any shot at turning things around after two poor weeks in a row, they'll need Everette to step up and contribute. 

Thursday night is always a tough game to play with the week being short, but the defense's performance was a rough one to watch, and the cornerbacks were a big reason why. Help could be on the way in the future, but right now the team needs Everette to rise to the occasion.  

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