Steelers' Potential Positions To Target Aside From Wide Receiver As Trade Deadline Quickly Approaches

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 offseason and that, aside from quarterback controversy, has been one of the most talked about subjects in the Steel City regarding the team. Fans are anxiously waiting for General Manager Omar Khan to make a move for a pass-catcher, but that doesn't mean the front office won't be eyeing other positions as the trade deadline inches closer. The organization will take on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 8 and then head into the bye week with plenty of decisions to make.

While the Steelers are sitting at 5-2 ahead of a non-conference matchup against the Giants, there could be other needs aside from just the wide receiver position. Pittsburgh isn't in the market to acquire any kind of season-changing player that doesn't catch passes from the quarterback, but a few areas could certainly need some depth as the team prepares to make a run down the stretch.

1.) Cornerback

Beanie Bishop Jr. is coming off of his best game as a professional against the New York Jets and Cameron Sutton will soon return from his eight-game suspension. Donte Jackson is expected to come back from injury in Week 8 and Joey Porter Jr. has been phenomenal, as expected. There is a lot left to be desired for the rest of the cornerback room, however.

While CJ Henderson was just signed and James Pierre is rather familiar with the franchise, the Steelers could absolutely upgrade the depth in the room. No one is expecting any kind of splash acquisition, but Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin wouldn't hate getting another guy in the secondary to guard wide receivers, especially with plenty of top-notch wide receivers on the schedule moving forward.

2.) Offensive Line

The Steelers have been shot with several injuries to the offensive line, but planned nicely for the possibility. The unit has played a respectable brand of football with several different players shuffling in and out of the lineup. Some of the injuries were season-ending, while others did, or will, only last a couple of weeks. It might make sense for Khan to explore this area given the current state of the group, and luck surrounding the position in 2024.

It's likely that no one believes that the team needs to trade for a difference-maker on the offensive line, but Khan has always been one to pick up the phone if another franchise is calling to discuss a potential deal. A simple, but important move, could be bringing in one more lineman to help solidify the group in case the injury bug continues to affect it.

3.) Safety

Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott and Damontae Kazee are a strong trio, but Terrell Edmunds hasn't exactly been effective on the defensive side of things since coming back to Pittsburgh. The most important part of a potential trade is getting a safety capable of making a difference in obvious passing situations. Kazee and Edmunds don't exactly thrive in that area.

There isn't a doubt that Khan will likely be extremely active when it comes to a wide receiver, but the safety position is an intriguing spot that could warrant a few phone calls in the next couple of weeks.

Steelers Could Absolutely Stay Put At Deadline Aside From Wide Receiver

The positions above are merely suggestions, not requirements. Pittsburgh could be in the market to trade any number of players, but the reality is that deals aren't all that common in the NFL. If Khan makes a move for a pass-catcher, it could be the only one that comes about for the Steelers. There are small needs elsewhere, but not making a move in those areas shouldn't cause the fan base to get all that upset overall.

Do you think that the Steelers will facilitate a trade for a non-wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation