Former Steelers DB Bryant McFadden Assures Steeler Nation That Pittsburgh Won Controversial Trade "With No Questions"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have received mixed reviews about their trade back in the offseason. While Donte Jackson has been a great starting cornerback opposite of Joey Porter Jr., they still have a Diontae Johnson-sized hole in the receiving core that they have tried and failed to fill. They were not able to secure an elite receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Davante Adams, and their free agent signings have been close to invisible on the field. It doesn't help that their supposed third-round steal, Roman Wilson, has been too injured and unconditioned to even play thus far. 

While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, former Steelers cornerback, Bryant McFadden, gave his thoughts on the whole ordeal, claiming that Pittsburgh actually won the deal easily.

"Donte Jackson is top three in the NFL in interceptions. He's been creating turnovers. He's doing a great job in coverage and when you pair him opposite of what we have in Joey Porter Jr., you got to like that duo, especially within the division. We're playing against high-level quarterbacks. So, with no questions for the fans that feel like we lost that deal: No, we won that deal."

There are so many factors that go into that deal for both the Steelers and the Carolina Panthers. Even with McFadden feeling confident about it, there may still be a few questions that Steeler Nation wants to be answered. The lack of a proper receiving core is problem number one, so does Jackson's impact really negate that issue that much? 

Steelers' Gains From The Deal

Even though Jackson had his fair share of issues in Carolina, the Steelers picked him up to put him in a much better scheme. With Porter shutting down his man each game, Jackson gets more opportunities to make splash plays. He gets to use his aggressiveness to his advantage in this defense, and he has proven to be a perfect complement in the secondary. If that keeps up, Jackson may earn a new contract in Pittsburgh. 

With Johnson on the team, the drama was at an all-time high. He and George Pickens seemingly could not co-exist together. Johnson may be one of the best route runners in the league, but something had to be done. The Steelers were hoping that Pickens would grow up and be a leader eventually, so Johnson was sent packing.

Johnson was brought in to finally give their young quarterback, Bryce Young, a reliable target to throw to. However, the two never developed any sort of chemistry. Johnson could not get any production until Young was benched for Andy Dalton. The veteran quarterback has been able to link up with him while Young just hopes that his career isn't already over. 

Johnson had a slow start, but he has become the WR1 that the Panthers desperately need. He may even get a contract in the offseason with Carolina, like Jackson in Pittsburgh.

There are still questions to be had with the deal, however. For example, is a CB2 more important than a WR2? In a league that prioritizes offense, many would likely say no. However, General Manager Omar Khan did try to secure another receiver to match up with Pickens, but could not secure the big-ticket option. He ended up going bargain hunting for guys like Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. Spoiler: they were not bargains at all.

With the trade deadline coming up, Khan and his staff know that they desperately need to effectively replace Johnson to officially boost the offense and consider the trade with the Panthers a total win. There aren't many options, so Khan may end up trying to hunt for cheap options again -- like Mike Williams or Darius Slayton. 

What do you think about McFadden saying that the Johnson/Jackson trade was a total win for the Steelers? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.

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