The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 6-2 record through the first eight games of the season, and the team has solidified itself as one of the best teams in the AFC up until this point. A lot can change throughout the rest of the 2026 regular season, but the Steelers are right where they want to be heading into the bye week. After the team's bye week is the league's trade deadline, and the Steelers are in a spot to be looking to find additional help from around the league. The organization has to be careful about giving up too much in any sort of trade, but the team definitely has some areas that should be addressed.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands in front of the press as he speaks and answers questions during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
The two obvious spots on the roster that need to be addressed are wide receiver and cornerback. Depth is needed at both spots, and maybe even a player that can be a large contributor right away should be brought in. Pittsburgh has a chance to win the AFC North for the second season in a row and host another playoff game, and the organization should be doing everything possible to bring in some more talent.
Aside from the weak spots on the roster, there are some areas that may be addressed that would be a little bit of a surprise. Former NFL tight end Dorin Dickerson brought up the running back position on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning, suggesting the team needs another veteran that can step in in the backfield.
"I would try to find honestly, and I've been saying this for a little while, another veteran running back somewhere," Dickerson said. "Somebody just in case, just in case Dowdle or Warren get banged up. If we know that we can run the football, and our offensive line is playing at this level, I want somebody that can just roll right in there and continue to run the football if those guys do get banged up. Warren's not the biggest; he has been banged up in the past. I would try to protect myself 100 percent, by trying to find another third veteran running back."
The running game has been the bright spot of the offense for the Steelers throughout the first eight games of the season. Jaylen Warren is looking like one of the best backs in the NFL, and Rico Dowdle is finally performing after recovering from a toe injury. However, Dickerson still believes the team should look at acquiring another veteran.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) breaks a tackle from Cleveland Browns linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during the second quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium.
Behind Warren and Dowdle the Steelers are pretty thin at running back. The other backs that have received carries during the 2026 season have been Lew Nichols, who has been promoted from the practice squad and Travis Homer, who is primarily a special teamer. Eli Heidenreich is also an interesting option, but he has been a healthy scratch ever since Week 3. If Warren or Dowdle goes down, Dickerson wants the Steelers to have a reliable veteran running back who has experience to be able to step in and continue to carry the rock efficiently.
Steelers Have A Few Running Back Options On The Trade Market
The top running back on the trade market is obviously Jonathan Taylor, but that is not the type of back Pittsburgh would be looking for. A reunion with a player like James Conner would make more sense. The Arizona Cardinals would have to take him off of Injured Reserve (IR) in the near future for the trade to be able to happen. The Cardinals have a rookie running back to develop and a reliable veteran in Tyler Allgeier, so there is no need for Conner in Arizona. Other players like Devin Singletary, Isaiah Davis, or even Ameer Abdullah could also be options.
What do you think about Dickerson's idea to trade for a running back? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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