Steelers Aggressive Offseason Continues With 2 Potential Trade Targets To Fill Big Hole At Slot Corner

A summary of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 offseason could be put as simply as: 'additions'. The Steelers added size to the offensive line group, brought in three cornerbacks (Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., and Corey Trice Jr.) with height and size and they weren't shy about addressing their linebackers' room by signing Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb. The release of slot cornerback, Arthur Maulet, however, opened up the roster for someone to take the slot cornerback spot.

Steelers Keep Their Cards Close To Their Chest

About a month and a half before the Steelers traded up to select Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Mike Tomlin wasn't letting anyone in regarding their plan at the offensive tackle position. In fact, he went a step further and said that he was comfortable with their pre-draft offensive tackle situation, despite knowing where their focus would be on draft day.

It's been the norm this offseason for the Steelers to be looking one way and then leap in another direction so when Omar Khan went on 93.7 The Fan to discuss the team, he spoke very highly about what the Steelers already had on the roster in terms of a slot cornerback, which should immediately set off alarm bells that they might do something else regarding that position, and possibly soon.

“That will all shake out. We like the competition. I’m all about bringing competition regardless of the position. Chandon Sullivan played in that role in Minnesota and Green Bay. Duke Dawson was on our practice squad last year and will have the opportunity to compete there. We will see some of these young guys this weekend and see what it looks like. Confident they will find the right guys.”

What Trade Targets Do The Steelers Have In Their Sights?

Now that Khan has put it into the ether, who would the Steelers be looking at outside of their current roster room? Maulet was a decent slot cornerback whose departure will leave a gap if not properly addressed so it's a good thing the 'Khan Artist' is on Pittsburgh's side.

While the Indianapolis Colts chose not to trade Kenny Moore II and seemed to accept that he would be on the 2023 roster, Moore's zero interceptions last season and injuries keeping him out five games could have the Colts open to trade offers. At 5'9", 190 pounds, Moore fits what the Steelers would be looking for as a replacement for Maulet (5'10", 190 pounds). The Colts like Moore as a person and he brings a level of leadership to the locker room, but when impact is lessened by injury and wear on the body, they could look elsewhere.

Tavierre Thomas has been on rental contracts with the Houston Texans each of the past three times he has signed with the organization. The most recent one-year contract for Thomas was completed in mid-March, which shows the Texans do have a continued interest in seeing what he can do that hasn't necessarily been revealed yet. The lack of commitment over the last three years is a big sign that the Texans could be convinced that a late-round pick would be viable compensation. It's likely Thomas would be someone the team could trade for near the end of the preseason. 

Could Steelers Go The Free Agent Route?

If the Steelers' front office deems the fifth-round pick that it would likely cost for either Thomas or Moore as acceptable, two other names in free agency could also fill that void left by Maulet.

Troy Hill became a free agent when the Los Angeles Rams let his contract expire, but one team's trash could be another team's puzzle piece. While his production in 2022 wasn't stellar (one interception, four passes defended), he wants to prove that he still has another year of fuel left at age 31. If the Steelers feel that his age won't hinder him, Hill could find himself trying to earn a spot in Pittsburgh.

Another name out of Los Angeles, but this time from the Los Angeles Chargers is Bryce Callahan. He is another player whose age is becoming an issue for some teams (31 years old as well), but had a higher level of production in 2022 than one expected (three interceptions, one touchdown, six passes defended). Callahan could give the Steelers a good reason to look him over.

Both of these free agents would most likely be a one-year rental, but for both Hill and Callahan, that is the name of the game when you're at this stage.

The Steelers will need to find a true replacement for Maulet, either in-house or through one of these names on the target board. Everything has happened according to a specific plan that is in place so whichever direction the Steelers decide to go in, one should trust that they have considered all options and landed on the right player for the job.

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