Should the Steelers Trade for Isaiah Wynn?

The Steelers’ offensive line has been anything but good in the preseason. After a disastrous game against the Jaguars, the thought of going outside the organization to add someone has to cross the mind of the Steelers. With the signing of Adrian Ealy, they have already done that very thing to a degree. So, when it was reported that Patriots tackle Isaiah Wynn could be on the block, the rumors swirled right away.

As it stands, this one seems a little bit obvious. Any name that has any level of buzz on the offensive line with being connected to the Steelers. It is very similar to the quarterback rumor parade that was concocted in the 2022 NFL offseason. But how legitimate should the Steelers actually consider maybe putting the feelers out there on Wynn? Does it make logical sense for them to make a move here?

So, here’s the storybook on Isaiah Wynn. He was a first-round pick out of Georgia where he played both tackle and guard. Up to this point, the Patriots have played Wynn at left tackle, but they would likely flip him to right tackle this year as Trent Brown would play left tackle. So, Wynn comes with some level of versatility that could be appealing to any team that wants to acquire his services.

However, the big caveat with Wynn is that he has been plagued with injuries throughout his career. In 2018, he tore his Achilles in the second preseason game and was knocked out for his entire rookie season. Then in 2019, Wynn suffered a toe injury early in the season that would limit him to only 8 games in that season. In 2020, he sustained a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve, and he only played 10 games. During that season, Wynn got his first start at left guard.

2021 was relatively a good year for Wynn, who started 15 games for the Patriots. When he is on the football field, Wynn is an athletic player who plays with good strength. His hand usage is one of his best traits, and that makes him an above-average starter. Still, it is a little bit hard to trust him with that injury history. That is not just a lengthy list, but a career that has been plagued by them.

Wynn’s versatility sticks out as a boon as well. Theoretically, he could bookend at either tackle spot or slot inside if the Steelers saw him in that light. As for his contract, Wynn is currently in the last year of his rookie deal and is playing on his fifth-year option. That means that Wynn is due $10.4 million and that is his cap hit, too. What is the compensation package for an above-average lineman that has had injury issues and is in the last year of their contract?

The Steelers probably should at least place a call for Wynn. Seeing what it would cost and at least testing those waters is not a bad idea. However, a high cap hit coupled with the fact that the Patriots trading their starting right tackle is a little out there means the cost might be a day two pick, or at the least a fourth-round pick. If that is the case, the Steelers should probably pass on Wynn. The Patriots simply do not have the incentive to deal with him without the proper compensation.

I would not bet on Wynn becoming a Steeler. The best course of action might be to go out and sign someone like Ereck Flowers at this juncture. A trade is always possible, but the Steelers largely made their bed with this offensive line. Now, they may simply have to lay in it.