Steelers Urged To Make Bold Trade Deadline Move With AFC Wide Open

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently in a very interesting situation as they prepare for another battle for first place against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. Fans have been watching the organization closely as the trade deadline approaches. General Manager Omar Khan has made trades at the trade deadline before, but will he do the same this season? There have been many conflicting reports on the matter. 

The Steelers' stance is very interesting. While they sit at 6-2, first place within the AFC North, and are riding a four-game win streak, they have obvious flaws that will be exposed when better competition comes around. Even though Pittsburgh has flaws, other teams in the AFC do too, and all seem beatable. 

Insider Mark Kaboly recently made the point on his show, Kaboly + Mack, that Pittsburgh should make a move at Tuesday's deadline because there aren't any powerhouses in the AFC this season. He notes the Jacksonville Jaguars are likely the closest thing, but the Steelers will find out in a month when they face each other. 

"There's no dominant team in the AFC. I mean Jaguars might be now, but we'll find that out in about a month. You have an opportunity here, and you don't want to sit back and say, 'D**mit, if I would have just made that move on November 10th, d**n. I wish I could go back,'" Kaboly stated.

Pittsburgh looks poised to make the playoffs this season, but history shows that just because you make it to the dance doesn't mean you'll win a game. In past years, there have been the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty and the Buffalo Bills with Josh Allen, but this season is different; the AFC is a weaker conference. 

The Steelers' remaining schedule seemed like a gauntlet at the start of the season, but has now really mellowed out. With the Denver Broncos and Jaguars still to be played, along with the Bengals on Sunday night, Pittsburgh's games are all winnable, and contests the Steelers should win.

With weaknesses at cornerback and wide receiver, Kaboly thinks the Steelers should worry solely about this season and take advantage of the opportunity at hand. By adding to at least one of those positions, Pittsburgh will bolster one of its biggest weaknesses, which could help it make a run. 

A Super Bowl is still unlikely, and it would be very unwise for fans to place expectations that high. However, it's easy to see that the Steelers can be serious contenders in a weak AFC conference if they decide to bolster their roster depth.

Steelers' Time Is Running Out With Deadline Approaching

With plenty of teams in the NFL making big moves, Khan's patience is starting to look ridiculous. He's always been willing to wait until the last second to make a move, but time is running out, and there may not be any moves left to make soon. Pittsburgh isn't the only team looking for wide receiver help in the NFL or even in the AFC. 

The Chiefs are also looking for a wide receiver and have shown interest in Josh Downs, whom Pittsburgh was reportedly interested in. Kansas City is likely willing to give up more capital for the wide receiver, given its better position to win and ultimately a better destination for a receiving threat. 

It's okay if the Steelers are waiting for Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman's return, but a move in the secondary is probably necessary. Pittsburgh is thin on the backend and also lack high-quality talent. While they likely won't acquire any high-quality talent, an insurance policy could go a long way. 

What do you think the Steelers should do? Should they go out and make a trade, or sit tight and rely on in-house options? Follow us for more news!

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