4 Potential Trade Targets the Pittsburgh Steelers Should Pursue

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for a new start this year after dealing away former starting quarterback Kenny Pickett and bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both Wilson and Fields are looking to resurrect their career with a fresh start so this will be an interesting battle to watch out for.

However, the Steelers are in the tougher conference and probably the toughest division with the AFC North consisting of the Bengals, Browns, and Ravens. To make it back to the postseason, especially from that division, is a tough ask.

Uder head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have performed well, but their 2024 campaign may require a couple of additional players to fill some roster holes.

Here are four possible trade targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

One of the spots the Steelers should look to add more depth is their wide receivers room. Earlier in the offseason, they traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers, which leaves George Pickens as their only reliable receiver.

Beyond Pickens, the Steelers receiver room is quite thin. Adding a potential No. 2 would be beneficial for either Wilson or Fields when they take the field.

49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk has reached a contract standoff with San Francisco and has asked to be dealt. While the 49ers may not be ready to let Aiyuk go just yet, this is a trade opportunity Pittsburgh could pursue.

Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Similar to Aiyuk, the Steelers could also look at Brandin Cooks, the current No. 2 in Dallas. This trade also doesn’t seem too likely given that the Cowboys themselves are lacking quality in their receiving room.

However, a good value for the trade especially in terms of draft capital may be enough for the Cowboys to think it over. It would also give their remaining young receivers more playing time, which will no doubt be helpful for the future.

Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

The secondary is another place where the Steelers are in need of additional help. As far as the cornerbacks are concerned, the Steelers seem to have gotten a good one from the 2023 NFL Draft in Joey Porter Jr. However, there is not much quality after that.

The Steelers need to look for an experienced cornerback to play opposite Porter. Otherwise, they stand exposed to several receivers making big plays on their secondary. Pittsburgh does have Cameron Sutton, who signed back with them after a year in Detroit. The problem here is that he is suspended for the first eight games of the season due to a domestic violence issue.

Bringing in a veteran like Darius Slay from the Eagles could be ideal for the Steelers, especially if they are looking for a short-term deal. Slay has a proven track record and can be the answer to the Steelers’ deprived secondary.

Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

Although the Steelers already boast of one of the best safeties in the league today in Minkah Fitzpatrick, the addition of Budda Baker would be huge for Pittsburgh. While the trade remuneration and Baker’s salary could be potential hurdles, the Steelers may look to Baker as a temporary acquisition.

Baker has been a leading safety for as long as he has been playing in the NFL. His six Pro Bowl appearances is a testament to that. As both Fitzpatrick and Baker are quality players, in tandem, they could raise the floor of the Steelers’ secondary to a whole new level.

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