Massive Change For The Steelers Involves Trading Away "Someone Substantial"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to consider making some serious changes if the organization plans to be more competitive during the 2025 season. The time to make meaningful coaching changes has come and gone, and no wholesale changes have been made on the coaching staff. Both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin were under serious fire after the way the 2024 season ended, but both will be returning in 2025 along with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.

Fans want to see meaningful change in Pittsburgh, as the constant mediocrity has grown old for the fan base. At this point in the offseason, the only meaningful change that could come is on the roster itself. This comes with both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, along with any potential trades. The Steelers will also likely make some cuts to save some money against the cap and give them some more flexibility once free agency rolls around.

Insider Mike DeFabo told fans on Thursday morning that any changes would have to come on the roster, rather the coaching staff.

"There are also a handful of other position coaches whose contracts expire and might not be renewed," DeFabo wrote. "But to me, these are all cosmetic changes that are about optics more than actually producing meaningful change. At this point, if the Steelers are actually going to shake things up significantly, it will have to be done to the roster, by trading someone substantial."

DeFabo brings up an interesting point about the Steelers potentially trading away a significant player, and every fan's mind likely thinks of George Pickens when reading that comment. Pickens' talent is undeniable, and he should garner significant interest if the Steelers do plan to shop him. A significant trade like that probably won't happen until the draft gets closer, but there is still the possibility that Pickens' future is in Pittsburgh.

There is also a ton of baggage that comes with a player like Pickens. He has shown a severe lack of maturity throughout the first three seasons of his career, and he has even been a distraction to his team at times. This might hurt his trade value, which should make the Steelers reconsider trading him.

The young wide receiver becomes eligible for an extension in Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason. It is hard to imagine ownership would sign off on giving Pickens a new deal based on what he has shown in recent seasons. The talent is there, but he certainly falls into the category of being a diva at the wide receiver position. The Steelers are weak at the position overall, and the organization may want to see what he can do with another top-end receiver by his side.

Steelers Could Look To Trade Other Players

Pickens isn't the only player that could be considered for a trade in Pittsburgh. On the defensive side of the ball, Minkah Fitzpatrick has been fairly disappointing over the last two seasons. He struggled with injuries in 2023, and then he just didn't produce at an elite level in 2024. He does his job well, but his price tag is extremely high for such a lack of production.

The Steelers are also loaded at outside linebacker with TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. It is great to have depth there, but the organization could consider trading one of those three players to help fix another weakness on the roster. It is unlikely that player would be Watt, but Highsmith or Herbig could bring in some good talent and/or draft capital.

Any trade involving a player on the defensive side of the ball is extremely unlikely. The most probable scenario is a trade involving Pickens, but there is a serious chance Pittsburgh stands pat in trading away any of its current top talent.

What do you think about the Steelers making a significant trade? Let us know in the comments below!

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