PFF: Steelers Should Hunt Trade Market for DBs

The Steelers sit at 3-2 and right in the race for the AFC North. However, could that mean the team sees some progress from the group as the jell following the bye week? It could happen, but some questions remain on the team, particularly in the secondary. The Steelers cornerbacks have played subpar outside of Joey Porter Jr., but it’s still a younger team that hopes those players to round into form.

Pro Football Focus explored what each team should do at the trade deadline. They believe the Steelers should mostly hold at the trade deadline, but that there could be a caveat for going out to acquire some help in the secondary at cornerback or safety. That’s been the achilles heel of the defense through five games.

“Pittsburgh should definitely explore adding secondary help, at both cornerback and safety, but otherwise has a roster with solid depth at a lot of spots. The return of Diontae Johnson from injured reserve and tight end Pat Freiermuth from a shorter absence can hopefully provide a spark and get this offense back on track, but continued growth from young players is really the key here,” PFF wrote.

Just days ago, PFF’s Brad Spielberger believed that the Steelers should go out and get Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton. In addition, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been mired in trade rumors in the last year of his contract, and Pittsburgh is one of the team theorized to be in on those sweepstakes.

I have said it before, but a cheap add could be to the safety positon. So far, Pittsburgh is not getting great safety play from the guys they have outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick, and that could be a spot they decide to look significantly at with several names likely being on the trade block. The Steelers, regardless, are unlikely to make many moves at the trade deadline. But the secondary might just be the place where they can jump on value for an upgrade.