The Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason has been a whirlwind of strategic moves, from hiring a new head coach to bolstering the roster with new talent. With a seemingly solid lineup, one might wonder if there's still room for improvement. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton suggests a trade that could address a potential weakness: adding more depth at offensive tackle. However, this recommendation seems to overlook the team's current strategy and the strengths already in place.
Moton proposes trading a 2027 mid-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for veteran tackle Walker Little. The reasoning? Little has 39 career starts and could fill a gap until rookie Max Iheanachor is ready. But here's where the analysis falls short. The Steelers have already moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle, recognizing his natural position from college. This move was strategic, locking down that side of the offensive line and pairing him with guard Mason McCormick. While Iheanachor is a right tackle, the team has depth with Dylan Cook and Jack Driscoll, and Broderick Jones' health is a wild card that could provide versatility.
The idea of trading for Little seems unnecessary. Little's performance last season, with 967 snaps and a grade of 62.7 from Pro Football Focus, allowed 47 pressures and nine sacks, is not impressive. The Steelers' current setup, with its mix of experience and youth, seems more than adequate. The team's strategy of developing Iheanachor and utilizing versatile players like Jones and Cook shows a thoughtful approach to building depth.
In contrast, Moton also suggests a trade for Alex Highsmith, an outside linebacker, to the Green Bay Packers. This proposal is more intriguing, as Highsmith is in the final year of his contract and has struggled with health. However, the Steelers' commitment to their top pass rushers and the lack of interest in trading Highsmith suggests that this move is unlikely. The team's financial strategy and focus on their current lineup indicate that they are content with their current setup, and any potential trades would need to align with their long-term vision.
In conclusion, while Moton's suggestions provide food for thought, they seem to miss the mark in understanding the Steelers' current strategy and the strengths they've cultivated. The team's approach to roster management and player development shows a thoughtful and calculated strategy, making these trades less appealing.
