The next two weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers will determine just how serious the team is in 2026. First, a big AFC North matchup with the Cleveland Browns will occur at Acrisure Stadium. Then, General Manager Omar Khan will have some massive decisions to make during the team's Week 9 bye. The trade deadline will commence on November 10th, so the front office in the Steel City is probably already mulling over its options. It appears as if there will be several wide receivers available, but cornerback is also a need for Mike McCarthy's collective.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks on as he watches the team workout during a 2026 training camp practice taking place at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The defense has been relatively stout for the Steelers. However, with some injuries and inconsistencies in the secondary, it might make sense to explore an external option. There are some big splashes that could be made, as well as simple ones that would provide depth. Both options were presented on Wednesday morning by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen.
Pittsburgh could have two different avenues to take regarding a cornerback addition. One would be rather easy to acquire because of his financial and contract situations. The analysts connected Philadelphia Eagles' Riq Woolen to the Black and Gold.
1.) Riq Woolen - Philadelphia Eagles
Because of the Steelers' potential interest in this market, it's fair to note that the Eagles still have a small prayer in a bad NFC East division. However, moving on from a soon-to-be free agent seems logical.
"When I talk to rival teams about which players Philly might move, Woolen's name comes up fairly often. He's a high-upside corner and 2027 free agent whose $1.26 million base salary could help facilitate a trade (much of his $12 million in guarantees came via signing or restructured bonuses)," Fowler wrote.
Bowen gave a little bit of a scouting report on the cornerback for those who may not be familiar with his game. The veteran won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025.
"Woolen has the length and long speed at 6-foot-4 to help a defense majoring in man coverage and two-deep zone," Bowen mentioned. "The tackling and eye discipline could improve, but Woolen is a disruptor on the perimeter. In five pro seasons, he has 12 interceptions and 57 pass breakups."
Adding a guy like Woolen would be low-risk high-reward. On the other end of that, though, Fowler put only the Steelers and Chicago Bears in a section focusing on a splash move.
2.) Alontae Taylor - Tennessee Titans
Alontae Taylor inked a contract with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason that was worth three years and $58 million. For the 2028 campaign, none of the cash is guaranteed. That is the opposite of the case in 2027, though.
"Taylor is not an easy player to trade because of his contract, which guarantees his entire 2027 salary of $20.5 million," Fowler noted. "But as one NFC exec put it, Taylor was the best corner in free agency in March, and that type of player has value no matter what."
Trying to figure out what Tennessee would want in this kind of deal remains to be seen. It certainly would be a big move, particularly because of the significant salary in 2027. Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi may be willing to take less significant draft capital to shed the future cap responsibility.
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Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor (24) goes through drills during pregame warmups against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium.
Bowen added what he could about Taylor and his play-making ability. He is a very quick defender who has the skill set to make game-changing turnovers at any moment.
"Taylor has gotten off to a slow start with the Titans after signing in free agency," Bowen wrote. "However, he plays a premium position, and he has the speed to cover receivers on the perimeter or play a disruptive role in the slot. In his four seasons with the Saints before joining Tennessee, Taylor had four interceptions, 40 pass breakups and seven sacks."
This might be uncharacteristic for the Steelers, especially because of the 2027 price tag. The team is already hurting for cap space, but Khan will always be able to make room if a guy like Taylor makes sense to acquire.
Steelers Will Be An Intriguing Team To Watch At Trade Deadline
Regardless of where improvements on the roster are made, Pittsburgh should firmly be in the mix to add pieces in the coming weeks. Wide receiver happens to be the sexier position, but cornerback is just as important. Khan and the Steelers are expected to actively be working the phones with a deep postseason run very much within the realm of possibility.
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