The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to return to the playoffs in 2021 and wind up with a different result. The Steelers looked unstoppable through the first three quarters of the 2020 regular season, but they got caught with the injury bug and the roster didn't have the depth to remain competitive. This offseason, the front office addressed the run game and drafted Najee Harris in the first round. Now, with a talented rookie in the backfield, the Steelers' offense should improve.
The defense should remain elite, but the front office has made some cuts to the roster that could lead to a slight degression. Pittsburgh plays in a tough AFC North division, as three of the four teams could make the postseason again. For the Steelers to ensure they make it to the playoffs and make a deep run, the front office should consider making a trade or two to bolster the roster.
The offensive line is rather questionable, but it's too late to fix that now. The front office will have to address that area next offseason. Instead, the Steelers could look to improve a different position that sets them up for the future. Additionally, the Steelers shouldn't rule out any potential trades to improve the defense. This is the driving force of Pittsburgh, and putting the defense over the top would benefit them greatly.
Here are three potential trade candidates for the Steelers.
Gardner Minshew
It's time for the Steelers to address the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger is not the same quarterback as he once was as age and injuries catch up to him. He's a lock for the starting job, but the front office has to be thinking about the long-term future here. The backups are less than impressive, as Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins have been underwhelming throughout their careers. Additionally, Joshua Dobbs is a career backup, so the team won't rely on him moving forward either.
So, why not trade for Gardner Minshew? He's not the best option by any means, but he has played well enough for the Jacksonville Jaguars to deserve another chance with a different team. He'd come in and compete for the starting job in 2022. This might be the best option to get some quarterback help for the future, as the Steelers are too talented to earn a top-five pick in the NFL Draft next offseason.
Stephon Gilmore
The rumblings of a trade have cooled down recently, but Stephon Gilmore is still looking for a contract extension from the New England Patriots. It's possible the Patriots are still shopping Gilmore, and if they are, the Steelers should jump on the opportunity to acquire him. The starting group isn't bad in Pittsburgh, but getting a guy like Gilmore makes the secondary even better. He had a down year this season, but Gilmore still has the talent to play like an elite cornerback in the NFL.
The Steelers' defense would improve greatly with Gilmore lined up at cornerback. Pittsburgh's pass rush is already one of the best, so to couple that with a dangerous secondary is a recipe to create the best defense in the league.
Jordan Hicks
There are rumors that the Arizona Cardinals are still shopping Jordan Hicks, especially after drafting Zaven Collins in the 2021 NFL Draft. Hicks has been a consistent starter throughout his career and could help beef up the Steelers' front seven. Pittsburgh has a decent inside linebacker core with Devin Bush Jr. leading the way. Vince Williams starts alongside the young star and has been solid for this team. However, Hicks would be a big upgrade who would improve the rush defense to an elite level.
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