It was originally believed that the Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan were going to be aggressive players during the NFL's 2025 trade deadline. The opposite ended up being the case, as the organization passed on doing anything significant. The decision-makers clearly believe that the current roster is good enough to go on a run for the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs. The wide receiver position was an area that could certainly have used some help, but there were some other holes as well that were relevant to Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin and his collective.
Emily Matthews / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin directs his players as the team works out during a 2022 minicamp practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers' defense has been relatively inconsistent throughout the 2025 campaign, having both stout and disappointing performances. After a phenomenal outing in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, it's possible that the front office was not too interested in adding to the group, especially after just recently trading for former New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger.
That acquisition proved to be a good one as the veteran in Dugger played nearly every defensive snap in the matchup with the Colts.
Another area of defense that has been questionable, specifically dating back to the December stretch in 2024, is the defensive line. Good offensive lines and strong running backs have had their respective ways with the group too often. Because of this, team insider Gerry Dulac reported that the goal was to acquire a defensive lineman at the deadline.
Steelers looked to make a trade for a backup veteran DT to replace Daniel Ekuale, but that didn’t work out so they signed DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes to the active roster off the KC practice squad. To make room, they waived OLB/DE DeMarvin Leal, a former third-round pick.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 6, 2025
The move to sign Brodric Martin-Rhodes directly off of the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad insinuates that Pittsburgh knew important depth was extremely necessary. Dulac didn't report which veteran defender that the Steelers were after, but it's clear that a move was desired, and just never came to fruition. It's also possible that Khan was looking at wide receivers, and there is no doubt that whatever asking prices were on the table were unacceptable.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands over near and signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Moving forward, a lot of eyes will be on the Steelers' defense. Inconsistencies will not go over well with the fan base, despite the several injuries (specifically in the secondary) that the unit has been hit with. There is plenty of talent on that side of the ball, which is the reason why Pittsburgh made it the highest-paid in the entire NFL. Despite this, Khan still felt that it was necessary to pursue a veteran defensive lineman.
It's possible that after the win over the Colts, there was much more confidence in the building. That could have led to more of a conservative approach. The only issue with that is when and if an important starter goes down with an injury. If that is the case at any point, Martin-Rhodes will have to step up, instead of whatever dynamic defender that was on the Steelers' radar. Time will tell, but it is certainly something for fans and the media alike to keep an eye on, particularly after Dulac's report.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
Steelers Will Need Some Stout Defensive Play To Have Any Chance At Playoff Success In 2025
Pittsburgh has had much better play from the offense with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. The defense, however, has been the story of the year through nine weeks. If the unit has a dominant performance with multiple turnovers, it tends to bode well for the team as a whole. If not, bad outcomes have been the result more often than not. Without adding any pieces aside from Dugger (via trade), the front office will be subject to some criticism if the group continues to be inconsistent.
Do you think that the Steelers should have pulled the trigger on a trade for a defensive lineman? Let us know in the comments below!
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