The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been reported to be one of the teams looking to bring in talent at the trade deadline, while there are other teams around the NFL that are having disappointing seasons that could be labeled as "sellers." The Steelers are 4-2 through six weeks, which is about where most fans expected them to be at this point in the year. They haven't outplayed expectations by any means, but the team has shown that it can win games due to the experience on the roster. The franchise could use some more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and maybe another reliable player for the secondary.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan sits next to Head Coach Mike McCarthy during the 2026 offseason.
The Steelers are banged up at wide receiver with two projected starters being on Injured Reserve (IR) for at least the next three games, so the fan base would like to see some trades made to address that area of the roster. However, there may be some other spots that need to be addressed as well, particularly in the secondary. A trade could be made for depth back there, or the franchise could go after a high impact player.
Beat writer Mike DeFabo hosted a Q&A on Reddit on Tuesday afternoon, and he was asked about the trade deadline. He mentioned some wide receivers the Steelers could pursue, but he also mentioned addressing the secondary.
"A CB or safety also makes sense," DeFabo wrote. "The ideal situation is a good, young player who can help in this window and in the future. Someone at the end of their rookie deal who plays for a bad team that you can extend and make a part of the future."
The fact that DeFabo could see the organization going after a cornerback or a safety isn't what is most interesting about his statement, it is what type of player he believes the organization should pursue. A player that can contribute now and play in Pittsburgh for a while, with a potential extension coming in the future.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike McCarthy looks on at Acrisure Stadium before a 2026 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
One thing is very obvious about the Steelers, and it is that the franchise takes pride in winning. The organization does not want to go through a rebuilding phase, which has contributed to the fan base's frustration with the recent streak of mediocrity. The team has been trying to build for the future while also putting the best team on the field now in order to win football games.
Finding a player on the trade market that can contribute right now, but is also young enough to be a part of the future of the franchise would be ideal. Particularly a player that might be on their rookie contract that could be extended this offseason. Some annoyed fans might comment on the fact that Joey Porter Jr. would have fit this criteria, but that doesn't matter anymore.
Steelers Should Have Some Younger Trade Targets
In order to acquire a young player that can make a positive impact, the player would have to be on a struggling team that has not met expectations and could be heading into a full rebuild. One player to note is Kevin Winston Jr. of the Tennessee Titans. He is a safety that was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Titans could be heading for rock bottom if Cam Ward continues to play the way that he has.
Another team to look at is the Los Angeles Chargers. The team was thought to be a contender in the AFC West, but the group is 0-6. The franchise has a pair of talented young cornerbacks in Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still. Still has played in the slot, and if the Steelers want to move off of Jalen Ramsey's large contract in the future he could be an option. Jacob Parrish is another name that fits the criteria.
What do you think of this trade strategy for the Steelers as the NFL's trade deadline grows closer? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
#SteelerNation