The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Even with a bright future headlined by Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to be realistic about their chances this year. A loaded AFC and a competitive AFC North mean their playoff chances are slim at best. To set the team up for 2023 and beyond, Omar Khan could sell these three players for draft picks or disgruntled veterans.
READ MORE: Steelers Week 6 Recap
Pittsburgh Steelers Trade Block After Week 6
1.) Wide Receiver Chase Claypool
Originally drafted as a physical phenom, “Mapletron” has failed to meet expectations in Pittsburgh. Chase Claypool has a team-friendly contract that expires in 2024, but his services are no longer required in Steel City. After a promising rookie season, there was an argument Claypool had regressed this season and could use a change of scenery. Claypool settled that argument Sunday, going off for 96 yards and a touchdown. Given his exceptional recent stat line, Claypool is a sell-high on the Steelers trade block and should be on the block. Evidently, the Philadelphia Eagles were able to receive a fourth and seventh-round pick for Jalen Reagor who is a special teams player at best. Word on the street is that Justin Fields could use a red zone threat on the outside.
.@ChaseClaypool with an incredible grab 🤯
📺 #TBvsPIT on FOX pic.twitter.com/JRBMXpk7zH
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 16, 2022
2.) Defensive Lineman Tyson Alualu
The Steelers signed Tyson Alualu in the hopes it would boost their run defense. Surprisingly, Alualu fell behind Montravius Adams on the depth chart and is not getting the playing time he planned for. Additionally, Alualu is 35 and not a key veteran for the future. An older player that is not seeing the field due to coaching decisions is normally due for a move. Accordingly, the Steelers should try and get any return on investment they can. Instead of having Alualu stay on the sidelines, Pittsburgh could call the Arizona Cardinals and see if they need a J.J. Watt backup.
The Impact of Tyson Alualu! #DontCrossTheMoats pic.twitter.com/rRnOaKdMoG
— Arthur Moats (@dabody52) April 2, 2021
3.) Quarterback Mason Rudolph
The Pittsburgh fans never embraced the young quarterback. Accordingly, the Mason Rudolph trade chants have existed almost as long as he’s been in the league. Originally Rudolph had the possibility to be the heir to Ben Roethlisberger’s throne. Now Rudolph serves just as a competent backup quarterback. With 17 games played, the third-round pick from 2018 would be a more than capable fill-in for most teams.
As numerous teams wrestle with quarterback injuries there has never been a better time for a backup quarterback trade. Mason Rudolph might be able to compete for the starting job in Carolina even when everyone is healthy. Mitch Trubisky should also be available to move to a struggling team. The Steelers have no need for two quality backups (unless Pickett’s concussion is long-term) and should look to ship one-off for whatever they can get in return.
Whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers trade candidates get moved, their focus needs to be on 2023 and beyond. A surprise upset against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers does not change the contender status of this team. These moves could increase their draft capital and add youth options for the future.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
