The most popular Pittsburgh Steelers trade rumors for more than a year has been receiver. That’s not necessarily changing, but one analyst sees the team entertaining different NFL trade options before the deadline.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano argued Wednesday the Steelers may view their defense now as a bigger need than wideout.
“I feel the Steelers have pivoted a bit, and if they make an in-season move, it would more likely be to help their struggling defense,” wrote Graziano.
The ESPN analyst referred to the Steelers defense has struggling multiple times Wednesday. While the unit forced five takeaways and held the New England Patriots to 14 points in Week 3, it’s hard to disagree.
Entering Week 4, the Steelers are ranked 26th in pass defense and 27th in rushing yards allowed per game. They are also 29th in third-down defense.
Acquiring another veteran defender could potentially boost the unit.
Could the Steelers Acquire Defender in NFL Trade?
Graziano didn’t float potential defenders the Steelers could target or even mention a defensive position group. For that reason, it’s hard to argue one way or another whether such a move could make sense.
But generally, it’s not outlandish to suggest the Steelers need to bolster their defense with another piece.
After three games, the Steelers are 27th in yards allowed per play. They are also 28th in total defense and 22nd in points allowed.
The team’s offense played well in Week 1, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers and company have struggled too at times. However, it’s clear Mike Tomlin doesn’t want to have to outscore teams to win.
Tomlin’s philosophy is obviously to control the ball with a ground attack to eliminate risk. Then on defense, take the ball away.
Grabbing another impactful edge rusher or ball-hawking defensive back could make the Steelers better in that area.
Why It’s Frustrating the Steelers Might Add a Defender Before NFL Trade Deadline
Again, it’s hard to analyze Graziano’s take on the Steelers because it was so general. If the team adds a defender by only giving up a late-round pick, few Pittsburgh fans will take issue with trading for a defensive player.
But the principal of the move is still likely to upset a lot of Steelers Nation.
According to Spotrac, the Steelers are already first in the percentage of their salary cap dedicated to defensive players. They are also third in total 2025 cash spent on defense.
To be near the top (or at the top) of the league in expenses on defense and not be performing better is a significant issue. Adding another resource to the unit to fix the issue will frustrate some fans, especially when the Steelers could use every available draft pick to find a quarterback next spring.
One could also argue another addition to the Steelers defense might not make a major difference. The team has talent on that side of the ball; they need to utilize it in a better way.
Communication has been an issue for the Steelers defense this month. The unit has a lot of new players that are unfamiliar with each other.
Perhaps with more playing time together, the defense will begin to perform better as the 2025 season goes.
But adding another new piece could actually hurt the unit. Any defender the Steelers acquire before the deadline will have to get acclimated to the team’s scheme and his new teammates to have success.
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