Could Steelers D-Line Depth Mean Trades To Fix Offense?

As the NFL’s August 27 deadline for finalizing 53-man rosters approaches, teams are evaluating their options to maximize depth and address weaknesses. The Pittsburgh Steelers , as noted in a recent report by CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, find themselves with an enviable problem: a surplus of talent on their defensive line.

This depth could lead to potential trade discussions as other teams look to fill gaps ahead of the regular season.

Pittsburgh’s defensive line, anchored by veterans like Cameron Heyward , Larry Ogunjobi , Montravius Adams , and Dean Lowry , is one of the deepest in the league. However, the Steelers also boast younger players who could attract interest from teams around the NFL. Second-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton is considered off-limits, but players like DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk , while not top-tier stars, have shown they can contribute and could be valuable additions to teams in need of defensive line depth.

While the defense remains a strong point, the Steelers’ offense has been struggling with consistency, particularly in their quarterback competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields . Both quarterbacks have had issues with production, and the offensive line has had difficulty holding up in protection and staying healthy , further complicating their ability to establish a reliable offense. These offensive challenges could make the prospect of trading some defensive assets more appealing, as the Steelers might look to bolster their offensive line or secure additional draft capital.

As Edwards highlighted, the Steelers’ defensive depth presents them with an opportunity to potentially acquire draft capital or address other areas of need through trades. The weeks leading up to the roster cutdown day have traditionally seen increased trade activity across the league. In 2023, 17 trades occurred in August, involving positions such as offensive linemen, cornerbacks, and specialists. The Steelers' defensive line depth could make them a key player in this year's trade market.

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As the roster deadline nears, NFL personnel evaluators will be closely watching Pittsburgh’s defensive line. Teams seeking cost-effective solutions could find value in players like Leal or Loudermilk to bolster their defensive fronts. The Steelers, meanwhile, must weigh the benefits of retaining their depth against the potential gains from a trade, especially as they address offensive challenges. Whether they choose to hold onto their depth or leverage it for future assets, their decisions could significantly impact the 2024 season.