Just like practically the rest of the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers did nothing at the trade deadline. Only for the Steelers, their inaction was entirely expected.
There were no blockbuster deals before 4 PM today, the deadline for any trades to be completed. Le’Veon Bell and Jamal Adams are staying in New York, though there’s clear friction between Adams and management. Left tackle Trent Williams remains in Washington, begrudgingly reporting to the team (but doesn’t plan on playing).
The only deal made today were the Los Angeles Rams dumping cornerback Aqib Talib – and his salary – to Miami, who promptly sent Xavien Howard to injured reserve.
Most of the action came over the last week. Michael Bennett to Dallas, Mohamed Sanu to New England, Quandre Diggs to Seattle, and Kenyan Drake to Arizona were some of the highlights.
Pittsburgh made their moves early in the season. The shocker of a deal that sent their 2020 1st rounder for Minkah Fitzpatrick, a move that’s worked out nicely so far. Assuming the Steelers don’t somehow jump back into their first round, it’ll be their first time without such a pick since 1967, two years before Chuck Noll was hired.
And acquiring Nick Vannett for next year’s 5th round pick to help the Steelers’ tight end depth. That’ll be a decision much more palatable if the team re-signs him this offseason. If he walks, it’ll look like a terrible trade for Pittsburgh, especially if they don’t make the playoffs.
Kevin Colbert’s been as aggressive as ever the last ten months but there were no moves to make today. Pittsburgh’s out of draft capital to trade and there wasn’t an obvious target to try and acquire. Nor was there anyone to attempt to trade away. Had the team lost last night, dealing Javon Hargrave would’ve made sense (though still would’ve been unlikely). And the national media’s insistence Artie Burns had value has never made sense.
The best, really the only, move was no move. Stay put, get healthy, and make a playoff push. That’ll begin Sunday afternoon against the Indianapolis Colts.
