In the offseason’s dead period, trade rumors get the people going. Well, I guess. Either way, Bleacher Report threw an off-the-wall trade idea out there for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They want Pittsburgh to acquire an edge rusher in former Buccaneers first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Through his first few seasons, Tryon-Shoyinka has not put up the flashy stats that he has wanted, but he has solid pressure rates across the board.
In the deal, Pittsburgh would acquire a seventh-round and Tryon-Shoyinka in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Across his first 51 career games, Tryon-Shoyinka has just 13 sacks. Last season, Tampa Bay slowly started to phase him out of the plans on defense, and his future at that spot remains murkier by the year.
On the other hand, while Tryon-Shoyinka would offer the Steelers a solid upside swing at that position, and sure, they could use a fourth outside linebacker, the team has three clear top dogs in T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Jeremiah Moon likely mans the fourth spot as it stands, but other names, such as Julius Welschof and David Perales, lurk in the background, vying for that opportunity, too. Anyone who would land that role must be special teams capable for the Steelers. Moon checks that box on top of being a freak athlete. The Steelers landed Moon off waivers.
“Jeremiah’s a very hard-charging guy, good on special teams. I think he’s a developmental outside backer. Strong and physical. Great attitude. I think he’s going to have a great career, definitely,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said.
The idea of a Tryon-Shoyinka trade still seems a bit out there. But he does fit what the Steelers value in the position and has athletic traits to build off. So, if they want to take the upside swing, they could, but it is far likelier they spend draft capital on a wide receiver or even a cornerback if someone out there interests them.