The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active as the trade deadline approached, and on Tuesday, they finally secured a wide receiver by trading for Mike Williams from the New York Jets. Just an hour later, they made another significant move to bolster their roster.
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Steelers' Omar Khan looks on before a regular season game.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has stayed busy. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Steelers are also trading for pass rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers.
Sources: The #Steelers aren’t done. They are trading for #Packers veteran pass-rusher Preston Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024
One of the NFL’s best defenses gets better. pic.twitter.com/76NWCKXeyL
Many Steelers fans are likely wondering what it took to acquire a talent like Smith. According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers managed to secure this trade by giving up just a seventh-round pick.
Trade compensation update, per sources: Steelers are sending a 7th-round pick to the Packers in exchange for edge rusher Preston Smith. pic.twitter.com/7Ftww4qrM7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2024
Smith is a 31-year-old NFL veteran with a decade of experience under his belt. Throughout his career, he has recorded 68.5 sacks and has often been regarded as one of the most underrated pass rushers in the league. The Steelers' defense is already stacked with elite talent, featuring stars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
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Steelers Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick celebrate after a big play.
Adding Smith to this formidable group only enhances their capabilities. While other AFC teams focused on bolstering their wide receiver corps, the Steelers have strategically strengthened their defense and improved their receiving options. As the trade deadline approached, it was clear that the Steelers were poised to make moves, and Khan delivered, pulling off a solid acquisition in Williams while securing Smith for just a seventh-round pick—a true steal.
Steelers Seriously Are Starting To Look Like A Super Bowl Team
Currently sitting at 6-2, the Steelers are experiencing improved offensive play under quarterback Russell Wilson, making the addition of Williams a significant boost for that unit. With Smith now in the fold, the defense is even stronger and has been performing exceptionally well. The special teams unit has also shown promise.
With a well-rounded team, if the Steelers can maintain their health, they have the potential to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders throughout the season. The rest of the schedule is one of the hardest in the league for Pittsburgh. However, Mike Tomlin isn't going to make any excuses. With the two new additions, the Steelers are looking like an even more complete team.
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Jets' Mike Williams celebrates after a big first down.
Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating how Williams and Smith will be integrated into this already talented roster. The trade deadline has proven to be a blessing for Steeler Nation, enhancing their hopes for the season ahead.
