Steelers Trade Deadline Wishlist

With the trade deadline Tuesday, I felt like making my own Steelers wish list that I think could help get this team to the playoffs.

Coming off a loss to the Jaguars in what should have been a much closer game with three turnovers for the Steelers, the future's looking bleak once again. Kenny Pickett left early in the game with what looked to be a pretty devastating blow to the ribs. While he came back out and tried to warm up, he ultimately was out for the remainder of the game, and it is questionable on his timetable for returning. Minkah Fitzpatrick also left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and did not return. The Steelers are looking beat to hell right now and a key trade could put them back in contention, but who could turn this team around?

The first and most impactful player the Steelers could potentially acquire would be Derrick Henry. I know a report just came out stating the Titans never had any intention of trading Henry, but there's still a chance. While the Steelers' cap space is just over two million, there could be some moves made to make room for the exceptional talent. Najee Harris is not showing any improvement this year, and if anything, has regressed into a mediocre at best RB1. Between Jaylen Warren and Harris combined Sunday, the pair didn't crest 50 yards on the ground, in a game that could have used the two. I know this might be the biggest wish on the list, but it's desperately needed. In seven games this season, both Warren and Harris combined have fewer rushing yards than Derrick Henry. If we want to get back to the ground game the Steelers are so well known for, there will need to be a change in the backfield.

The second on my list is Mike Gesicki, who could use a revival on a better team. Not that the Steelers offense looks any better than the Patriots right now, but I believe that our system might work better for the veteran TE. Gesicki had a pretty good run with the Dolphins before being traded to the Patriots this season, and his red zone presence for them could be just what we need. Aside from his '21 season and his rookie year, Gesicki seems to be able to produce in the red zone which this team could really use. Gesicki hasn't shown greatness in New England yet, but that could also be due to the poor showing with Mac Jones and the Patriots' offense as well. Either way, a veteran tight end could be a huge help, which brings me to my next pick...

My third pick would be if Gesicki is off the table, but I wouldn't mind seeing Mo Alie-Cox don the black and gold. I would like to see Darnell Washington step into the position, but with only three targets on the season, that looks like it won't be happening anytime soon. Connor Heyward saw six targets last game and only 19 yards to show for it. While Heyward has 12 receptions this season, it's coming off 19 targets. You could blame the QB situation for that, but Mo Alie-Cox has only six drops in 134 targets. That's a sure-handed tight end the Steelers could find a lot of use for in the absence of Freiermuth.

My final pick for my wish list is for Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. I think Surtain would fit in nicely in Pittsburgh, complimenting the already breakout star rookie Joey Porter Jr... It's not as though the defense is the issue here, but it's the only thing helping the Steelers win games at this point. Surtain could help elevate this team with his 30 total tackles on the season (28 solo), helping the Steelers solidify an already great defense.

The Steelers are certainly at a crossroads right now, with so many injuries and a short week to prepare, Thursday looks like it could be a bleak day. The Steelers organization is known for making big trades before the deadline, I hope they don't disappoint this year, and grab some much-needed talent to fill some gaps that will be needed in the coming weeks.