Steelers May Have Perfect Trade Partner For Dan Moore Jr.

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been waiting for big trade news for the majority of the summer. Yet, as the second preseason game of the year is set to kickoff on Saturday, the Brandon Aiyuk saga has yet to come to an end. General Manager Omar Khan may simply be waiting for the San Francisco 49ers to make a decision, but overall, Khan is likely still trying to find ways to make the team better in 2024 and beyond. It is coming up on the one-year anniversary of the head of the front office trading both Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson, and that brings up an interesting possibility.

History tends to repeat itself and there may be an offensive lineman on the current roster that could find a new home prior to the regular season beginning. It was reported that Dan Moore Jr. would be giving up a starting job so rookie Troy Fautanu could step in for the Steelers.

This is the scenario most expected, but not as soon as mid-August. Broderick Jones will finally become the team's starting left tackle while Fautanu operates on the right. Moore could certainly act like a swing tackle, but has been vocal in the past about not being very comfortable on the right side. It's possible that individuals such as Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook could serve as better options overall, strictly when designating a player as the true swing tackle.

This brings up an intriguing trade opportunity for the Steelers. It's hard to argue that Patrick Mahomes isn't the best quarterback in the NFL. Protecting his blindside is key, and the Kansas City Chiefs currently have rookie Kingsley Suamataia slotted in the starting role. The backup on the left side, Wanya Morris, recently suffered a bone bruise in his knee, leaving a significant hole at the position.

With Super Bowl aspirations once again, it makes complete sense for the Chiefs to acquire a fourth-year lineman with 49 starts under his belt. Make no mistake, it seems like Kansas City is preparing for the second-round rookie in Suamataia to be the starter, but relying on a young player to protect Mahomes could be a dangerous game to play.

Moore hasn't been as bad as everyone believes, but it was absolutely time for him to take a backseat as a starter in Pittsburgh. He may do the same if he were dealt to Kansas City, but could act as a true backup to Suamataia, and even fulfill a starting role if the rookie performs poorly or suffers an injury. Moore is only under contract through 2024, so bringing him in could be a low-risk move for the Chiefs, while also having insurance at the left tackle position.

Even if Morris returns fully healthy, Moore would be a better option behind Suamataia. Morris was a 2023 third-round draft pick and made four starts his first season, but has already been unseated as the top man on the depth chart. With an injury and offseason legal trouble for Morris, the Chiefs attempting to trade the Steelers for Moore would be a strategic move that brings in an experienced guy proven to be a team player.

Steelers Should Get 2025 Draft Pick Compensation For Moore While They Still Can

It's possible that Moore signing with another team in 2025 could lead to a 2026 compensatory draft pick, but that wouldn't take effect until 2026. The decision for Khan to make is if he's willing to part ways with Moore now for what likely would be a worse pick than one that is awarded as compensatory. After the Steelers have completely revamped the offensive line in recent years, it makes no sense for Moore to play in Pittsburgh past his rookie contract, so why not trade him now?

Do you think that the Steelers should look to trade Moore before the 2024 season gets underway? Let us know in the comments below!

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