Surprise Steelers trade scenario not involving Justin Fields!

There is one hypothetical trade that has been creating endless discussions around Pittsburgh these days, the acquisition of Justin Fields. Despite how intriguing I find the potential of Justin Fields, there is another hypothetical trade that has captured more of my attention. I’ll admit it this is one that was born in mind and haven’t seen any news coverage on it from analysts, but it is a trade I believe to be not only viable but a solid move for the Steelers to make. Without further ado, here it is: 

PIT

Receives:

Pick 33

Pick 180

CAR:

Receives:

Pick 51

Pick 84

Pick 120

PIT 2025 7th

Let’s first discuss the rationale behind the trade before delving into the analysis of the price. This is a move I would wait to pull the trigger on until draft day, and not until the conclusion of the first round or following the Steelers' selection at 20th overall. That is because it is a little dependent on who they can pick in the 1st round. If they can secure Jackson Powers-Johnson, they should go through with this trade or one similar to it. That would allow them to secure one of the top tackles as well as the best center prospect in the draft in the first 33 picks. There are eight tackle prospects in this class that project to be very solid pros, with hopefully one of them being Broderick Jones’ running mate at tackle.

Obviously, at 33 they wouldn’t have the cream of the crop still available but one could imagine that one, two, or three of the lesser-ranked top prospects would still be remaining. If I had to speculate, I would say someone or all from the group of Jordan Morgan, Tyler Guyton, Kingsley Suamataia, or less likely but still possible Amarius Mims would be available to Pittsburgh. This brings us back to why they should wait to see who is available to them at 20 before making this or any other potential trade in the draft. If Jackson Powers-Johnson is selected before the Steelers pick at 20, they should just draft the best remaining tackle. I don’t deem it worth it to trade up to 33 and relinquish some of their draft capital if it isn’t to secure a tackle to pair with Jackson Powers-Johnson. In a perfect world, they can take Jackson Powers-Johnson in the 1st then solidify their offensive line of the future with a tackle at the start of Day 2.

The price tag that Carolina supposedly has on this pick is the main concern. It is with good reason they are expected to be protective of this pick because it is their top pick in the draft. However, the Panthers have so many holes to fill in their roster I ultimately think it will be possible to get them to part ways with it. In return, they receive a 2024 second (51st overall), third (84th), and fourth (121st), in addition to a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft. Giving them three valuable picks in this year’s draft, and another late-round pick in 2025 to refill the cupboard after their deal with Chicago before last year’s draft.  This trade has the potential to be beneficial for both teams, but most importantly allows the Steelers to put the finishing touches on the offensive line. This outweighs the need for those mid-round picks they would have to surrender to Carolina in the deal. The Steelers would also receive Carolina’s fourth-rounder (180th overall) in the deal, bringing their total haul from Carolina to the 33rd and 180th pick and bringing the total of all their picks to six.

This is the perfect opportunity for the Steelers to be aggressive but not reckless when trying to get this roster over the hump.

Regardless of who lines up under center this year, they will be in a much-improved position to succeed behind an offensive line that includes Jackson Powers-Johnson and another high-end tackle than they would without those guys. It is also a move that doesn’t affect their draft capital in the years to come, making it more attractive and easier to rationalize. This is the type of trade fans are clamoring for Omar Khan to make in a clear attempt to escape the monotony of mediocrity we have been subject to the past few seasons. The Steelers can dramatically alter the future of the team positively while improving their immediate hopes of contending in the same move. This is an option that they need to investigate and explore as we inch closer and closer to draft day in April.