The Steelers have been connected to Chase Young since the rumors about him potentially being on the trade market heated up. In fact, they were among the favorites to land him in the first betting odds on Young’s best destination if he does not stay with the Washington Commanders.
However, it is clear that the trade is pretty unlikely. From a cost and need standpoint, it just does not make sense. So, if we’re trying to look for a reason for why they could land him, what would it be? That reason would be simple, it’s that the team scouts anyone for a multitude of reasons, even if they are out of reach.
We know what Mike Tomlin thinks about Young. Back in the 2020 matchup between the Steelers and Commanders, he said he never wanted to have a chance to get a guy of Young’s pedigree or caliber.
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The Steelers are no strangers to situations that seem out of the realm of possibility. They scouted Patrick Peterson heavily, which allowed them to circle back to when he was a veteran to land him as a key free agent. The same thing happened when acquiring Allen Robinson II and signing Markus Golden. Simply put, they make sure to meet with and get to know just about everyone they can in case situations like this come up.
“I continually appreciate our staff and the scouts that get out in front of us and provide the platform that we springboard off of at this time of year,” Tomlin said. “For me, the hay is never in the barn and we will continue to mind for information because that’s gold for us. It’s crucial for us.”
You never know when situations like the one Young is in right now pop up. There’s a possibility it never could. Then, there’s a possibility that a Minkah Fitzpatrick situation where need and fit make sense to go make that move for a guy you never had a chance of drafting. Young is unlikely to be a Steeler, but this is the exact reason they scout guys like him anyways.