Colts' Fire Sale Has Steelers On The Brink Of Making Big Trade For Pro Bowl Defender

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one win away from entering the bye week with a record of 6-2. The break will come at the perfect time, specifically because the trade deadline is on the horizon. General Manager Omar Khan has assets when it comes to draft capital, so making some kind of move, or multiple, is certainly possible because of the team's Super Bowl aspirations. On the surface, help at the wide receiver and cornerback positions could go a long way in solidifying both sides of the ball. One place to call may be the Indianapolis Colts, who seem to be in full-on selling mode.

Chief Executive Officer Carlie Irsay-Gordon made a definitive statement when she fired long-time general manager Chris Ballard recently. Ed Dodds is acting as the lead front office executive on an interim basis, presumably making decisions alongside ownership. Immediately after a Week 7 loss, the franchise traded two organizational staples in Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.

Wide receiver Josh Downs could be on the move as well, who may be a very realistic trade target for the Steelers. However, the Colts could also be interested in moving on from other contributors as well. Indianapolis is not hiding the fact that it plans to get as much draft capital as possible in the coming weeks. Pittsburgh certainly has some to give.

While making a splash move to add a pass-catcher might seem like the trendy theoretical scenario, the needs for Khan and Co, go beyond that. Irsay-Gordon's collective has someone who could be very useful to the Steelers. Pittsburgh's secondary has had some injury issues, and the depth isn't quite what it was back in August when Joey Porter Jr. was still around. That's why acquiring a veteran such as Charvarius Ward could make a ton of sense.

The veteran defender is in the second season of a three-year contract with the Colts. During any negotiation, there would need to be an agreement made regarding which side pays what amount of that deal. It's possible that Indianapolis will have to eat some of the salary moving forward if the plan is to get rid of the former Pro Bowl cornerback. Additionally, he can be delegated as a post-June 1st cut in 2027 that would lead to under $7 million in dead cap and $18 million in savings.

This wouldn't be an earth-shattering move, but the Colts won't be able to demand high-end draft capital for Ward. He may be the perfect target for Khan if the goal is to make the secondary better while also not giving up too much to get a deal done.

The Steelers have nine total selections in 2027 currently. This includes a pair of sixth- and seventh-round picks. Depending on the contract situation with Ward, he is a very realistic trade option. The Colts are not being shy about wanting to get rid of formidable players, so the idea of reaching out to get something done is not far-fetched in the slightest.

Ward has started in all seven games for Indianapolis, as he has added five passes defended and 21 total tackles. Bringing him in to bolster the Steelers' secondary would be a very strategic move that could help in the long run. On top of that, the defender has won a Super Bowl, so he has the experience that would help the locker room during a postseason run.

Steelers Are Not Missing Porter Just Yet

Pittsburgh's secondary has done a decent job without Porter in the lineup. The run defense has been stout, which has certainly happened at all levels on that side of the ball. However, one injury could really hurt the Steelers if it were to occur to a legitimate difference-maker. Khan should be on the phones in the coming weeks, and reaching out to the Colts about Ward, and maybe even Downs, makes a ton of sense.

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