Steelers Now Have A New Seller Coming Into The Picture As Trade Deadline Approaches

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan are always snooping around the NFL trying to find a potential trade option, whether it's a blockbuster deal or a low-key one in exchange for a late-round pick. As the November 10th deadline approaches, all they can do is sit and wait for the Week 9 games to conclude before finishing negotiations with teams and possibly walking away with a new player. That's not going to stop the front office from making calls and figuring out who the best possible playmaker would be. 

The most likely option appears to be that the Steelers will acquire Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts, although they are not the only team trying to acquire him via trade. Of all the names thrown out there, he seems to fit what Pittsburgh wants the most without giving up too much to get him. If another team out-bids the Black and Gold, however, where would they turn?

NFL insider Jonathan Jones may have an idea on that front. In his latest column for The Athletic, he brought up one team that has not been discussed much around league circles, but could very well be in the mix.

"The Saints could deal a veteran or two at a low price if someone calls," Jones reported.

The New Orleans Saints looked like a sneaky team with quality performances early in the year, but have since put up more duds. They are currently sitting at 2-5 after their bye week following a loss to the Steelers in France in Week 6. Pittsburgh may have been doing some scouting of their own in the contest to see if anyone would be worth asking about, and there may be some options. 

Justin Reid could come in and act as quality safety depth through the stretch run. While the Steelers have been getting healthier at the position, he could still be used as a rotational piece to keep everyone else fresh for the stretch run. He will also be out of guaranteed money in 2027. So if things don't go too well, he could be cut without a dead cap charge as the Saints will be on the hook for the rest of his signing bonus proration. 

At the same position, Julian Blackmon is about a year and a half younger than Reid while providing more upside. However, the fact that he is a pending free agent likely drives the price to trade him down closer to his position-mate. If the Steelers are able to get him for cheap while only giving up a Day 3 pick, they could end up getting a compensatory pick back to make up for what they would seemingly lose in 2027 free agency. 

There are a couple of other options that the Steelers may be interested in like wide receiver Devaughn Vele or defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd to add depth to their respected positions, but the safeties would likely add more value to Pittsburgh right now. Either way, if these veterans are as cheap as Jones believe, it wouldn't hurt to give the Saints a call and see if any of their players would be a good fit in the other form of Black and Gold. 

Steelers Could Come Back To Blackmon In Free Agency If Deal Is Not Made

As of now, the Steelers are projected to only have two safeties on the roster for 2027: DeShon Elliott on the final year of his deal and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings. They will definitely be looking to the open market to add another veteran, even if it's to help mentor an incoming rookie. Blackmon would likely be a cheap free agent option that could help Pittsburgh stay under the cap with their current situation there, as they are low in space for that year.

What do you think about the Steelers possibly trading with the Saints? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation