Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers would never, ever make a trade. This unexpected decision raises troubling questions about their overall strategy and future direction. Retooled surrounding talent Head Coach Mike Tomlin referred to last year’s moves all around the league as an “arms race.” This season, Pittsburgh chose not to become major players on the trade market. The decision signals that they are going with a more conservative path as they go through the remainder of 2023.
In 2022, the Steelers shocked the league with their bold and aggressive moves to land playmaking wide receiver Mike Williams and Kansas City pass rusher Preston Smith. As the team sought to build the strongest roster possible heading into a decisive playoff run, their Trumpian gambits were rewarded. This year, things have changed greatly. The Steelers were in serious talks with multiple different teams but decided to just stay put and do nothing. Then, they took a big step forward by making the trade for Las Vegas wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Then the Jacksonville Jaguars went and outbid them, signing the player.
Just because the Steelers weren’t one of the teams making waves during this trade deadline doesn’t mean they haven’t been in recent months though. The team’s brilliant trade for wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, defensive back Jalen Ramsey, and tight end Jonnu Smith earlier this season. They then further fortified their roster by adding these pivotal players. Metcalf’s acquisition cost the Steelers a second-rounder and a late-round pick swap, while Smith’s and Ramsey’s compensation was taken from the 2027 draft. These 8 moves collectively underscore that the team is serious about maximizing its competitive advantage. They’re hungry to establish their dominance in the league.
Along with each of these trades the Steelers made a notable signing, adding safety Kyle Dugger to their roster. Dugger played nearly all of the snaps during the team’s Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, demonstrating his immediate impact on the field. The line got a shot in the arm with first-round pickup Derrick Harmon. He adds depth to a depth-shy unit that has seen critical injuries to key players including Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale and Dean Lowry.
When head coach Mike Tomlin took questions from reporters this week, the conversation quickly turned to whether or not the Steelers might be “buyers” this season. He smiled and recognized their contrarian stance. In contrast to those teams committed to trading for short-term gains, they’re not rushing.
“And that’s something that I think some of the competitive teams are interested in year in and year out. It’s just a natural component of this thing.” – Mike Tomlin
While this careful deliberation is welcomed, it begs alarming questions about the future path of this franchise. With the Steelers’ traded deadline lack of movement, it LEEDS a plan of being more long-term developmental and not in short-term monster destruction mode. Veteran corner Darius Slay, 34, has shown signs of age early in the season, prompting considerations about bringing in younger talent to complement their existing roster.
Moving forward, the Steelers will need to thread a needle between present needs and future goals. They announced a series of important strategic moves in recent months. Yet, their failure to make any significant move at the deadline indicates their willingness to continue cultivating guys they have and developing youth in the system.
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