The clock is ticking on the NFL trade deadline, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads. A bold move could push them past fringe contender status, but a misstep might burn key 2026 draft assets and jeopardize their search for a franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n
Is there really a need for another wide receiver? That\u2019s been the focus of the rumor mill for weeks, but with Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing<\/a>\u2014and Pittsburgh rarely using its receivers beyond the top two options\u2014the priority should shift elsewhere. Cornerback and guard are the two positions most in need of an upgrade to solidify the roster.<\/p>\n The cornerback position was supposed to be deep and talented this season, with Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay headlining the group. But Slay has been ineffective and is dealing with a slew of minor injuries, and Ramsey\u2019s focus may be shifting to safety.<\/p>\n And Cory Trice Jr., who was set to be one of the top backup options entering the season, can\u2019t seem to stay healthy with yet another injury during his 21-day practice window.<\/p>\n Ramsey may be capable of playing any position in the secondary, but that doesn\u2019t mean they have to use him as a chess piece. Recent results indicate the complexity may have been hurting them more than helping.<\/p>\n If they want to keep Ramsey at safety, then adding a corner should be a top priority. Brandin Echols can play inside and out like Ramsey, so they could get away with adding just about any corner to solidify the room. It should also be noted that Beanie Bishop Jr. was just released from the practice squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n Why not add another safety to pair with Kyle Dugger to help replace DeShon Elliott? I am of the opinion that Ramsey may actually be a better safety at his age than he is a top lockdown corner on the outside. And it probably isn\u2019t a good idea to have two starting safeties that are brand new to the team halfway through the season.<\/p>\n It would also be wise to consider adding offensive line help. Isaac Seumalo reaggravated his pec injury<\/a> during Sunday\u2019s game. Soft-tissue injuries can linger, and a pec injury cost Seumalo the first month of the season last year.<\/p>\n Pittsburgh can\u2019t afford to lose its running game, and Seumalo\u2019s absence triggers a ripple effect for the offensive line. Spencer Anderson moves to left guard, which means he can\u2019t be the tackle-eligible tight end in the Steelers\u2019 jumbo package. Instead of trying to replace two positions, why not just find a guard and keep Spencer Anderson at tackle-eligible?<\/p>\n Seumalo is in the final year of his deal anyway, so it wouldn\u2019t hurt to find a potential long-term solution.<\/p>\n Sometimes, the smartest trade is the one that patches real holes instead of chasing headlines. A guard and a rotational cornerback wouldn\u2019t blow anybody away, but it would allow the team to continue playing to its strengths. That should be Omar Khan\u2019s aim at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n As for specific names at both positions? It\u2019s tough to gauge who is buying and selling this time of year, and some teams do a little of both. The Washington Commanders are reportedly open to selling<\/a> both Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti along the offensive line.<\/p>\n