The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to face adversity during the 2022 NFL season. The offensive line has not played well in two preseason games against the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars. The prize free agent acquisition James Daniels has struggled. The Kevin Dotson-Kendrick Green competition is a mess, and only Mason Cole has played solid football. It is the preseason, and the light could still go on for the offensive line, but it is getting dark, fast.
Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
In 2019, Ben Roethlisberger was hurt and the season seemed lost to everyone but the Steelers themselves. Kevin Colbert called on the Miami Dolphins and parted with a first round pick to obtain Minkah Fitzpatrick. He solidified the defense, and if they could have won a game in December against the New York Jets, the 2019 team makes the playoffs with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges. The Steelers in 2022 need a similar splash play from Omar Khan on the offensive line.
The existing free agent market is sparse. Camp cuts might improve the offensive line play, but that is more of a comment on how bad the line has been to this point. The Steelers are frustratingly close to being a realistic threat in the AFC. The full defense has not been on the field yet, but the defensive line looks like it has improved. There are questions on the defensive side of the ball, but it seems solid.
Fitzpatrick fit the mold of what the Steelers look for when they bring in outside help through trades and free agency. Pittsburgh typically signs players who are on their second contract in free agency and rarely bring in aging veterans. This is pure speculation, but no one saw the Dolphins trade coming in 2019. Here are a few trades that Khan might be able to pull off to solidify the offense:
Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers
Packers.com
The former second round pick of the Green Bay Packers is 26 years old, has made a Pro Bowl and appears like he is rounding back to form after missing the second half of the 2021 season with a torn ACL. Jenkins did a fine job filling in for David Bakhtiari until he was hurt last season and can play both tackle positions. The Packers seem to be taking a wait and see approach with Jenkins, but he claims to be ready to play.
Steelers should offer:
A first round pick in 2023, a third round pick in 2024 and Tyler Vaughns
Why it makes sense:
The Packers have not re-signed Jenkins and the franchise tackle tag is north of $16 million dollars. Like the Steelers, the Packers value draft capital above all and Aaron Rodgers isn’t getting any younger. Vaughns has flashed real ability during the preseason and would probably be near the top of the Packers depth chart upon his arrival.
Why Not:
Pro Bowl tackles are hard to find. Assuming he is healthy again, trading a young tackle who you could franchise tag seems imprudent. However, if the Packers struggle out of the gate and it becomes apparent that losing Davante Adams is too much to overcome, this could make sense for both teams.
Dalton Risner, Denver Broncos
CBSSports.com
The Denver Broncos chose the 27-year-old Risner in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Kansas St. guard has started all 47 games he has been healthy for during the past three seasons. Like Daniels and Cole, he is a young veteran who is a solid, if not spectacular player. Like Jenkins, the Broncos have not extended him and while hopes are high in Denver with the arrival of Russell Wilson, the money he commands is going to cause cap casualties. This could be one.
Steelers should offer:
A third round pick in 2023 and Devin Bush.
Why it makes sense:
The Broncos are faced with paying Wilson and negotiating with Bradley Chubb. A free agent guard is a likely cap casualty. Bush could find his 2019 form and significantly upgrade the middle of the Denver defense. Peter Hansen, the current linebackers coach for Denver, saw Bush firsthand while he was the linebackers coach at Stanford and may think he can resurrect his career.
Why Not:
Risner is not a Pro Bowl player who is a solid guard. Wilson became disenchanted in Seattle as he watched his line evaporate in front of him and might not be happy about it happening again. It is possible that Denver would watch game tape of Bush and laugh hysterically before hanging up the phone.
Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears
NBC Sports
Jenkins has had a tumultuous tenure in Chicago. The 39th pick overall in the 2021 NFL Draft is rumored to have alienated coaches and is potentially seeking a trade out of the Windy City. He only started two games in his rookie season and had season-ending back surgery. He has reportedly been playing nice the last few days. It is a risk, but a change of scenery might benefit the player and the team.
Steelers Should Offer:
Kendrick Green and a fourth round pick in 2024
Why it makes sense:
Both second-year players are not working out in their current locations. Green last had football success in Illinois and if his career is to be resurrected at this point, it might be his last best shot. Jenkins has had trouble breaking into the lineup for the Bears and does not fit in with the coaching staff. Talented troubled players are usually Bill Belichick projects, but Mike Tomlin might be exactly what Jenkins needs to start reaching his potential.
Why Not:
Trading a problem for a problem is risky. Jenkins could be a disaster, but with leaders like Cam Heyward and a strong locker room, it is unlikely he could do much damage. The Steelers would have to sweeten the deal with a draft pick to get the Bears who have multiple holes to risk the deal. The former Oklahoma State tackle has potential within reason, but that should not extend to a higher draft pick.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Should Pittsburgh explore a trade to fix their offensive line, or play out the season and wait for the 2023 NFL Draft? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
