Steelers Get Trade Deadline Shopping List for One Glaring Roster Need

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made a big decision at cornerback this offseason. Now, with Aaron Rodgers and a 5-2 record giving them a chance to make a playoff run, another move at the position has been floated before the NFL trade deadline.

Pittsburgh traded Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys on October 1, leaving Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everette handling most of the outside work. CBS Sports offered a shopping list of possible replacements, though the wide receiver continues to dominate trade speculation.

Steelers Cornerback Trade Need Brings Five Potential Options

In an Oct. 30 analysis of each team’s needs, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards singled out cornerback as Pittsburgh’s top priority. He questioned whether the current group offers enough reliability if the Steelers intend to “maximize this window with Aaron Rodgers.”

Edwards points out the Porter trade and the responsibilities that now fall to Dean, Samuel and Everette. He also mentioned safety as another area Pittsburgh could address, but suggested the organization should lean on its current investments at wide receiver instead of continuing to chase another addition.

His five potential cornerback options are Riq Woolen of the Philadelphia Eagles, Donte Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers, Alontae Taylor of the Tennessee Titans, Amik Robertson of the Washington Commanders and Nahshon Wright of the New York Jets.

Those names are suggestions, not confirmed trade discussions in Pittsburgh.

Woolen brings size and Pro Bowl looks from his rookie season in Seattle. He signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia in the offseason, so his future there will be worth watching as the Eagles contend.

Jackson will provide a familiar face. He spent the 2024 season with Pittsburgh before eventually joining the Chargers. Taylor is another notable name after signing a lucrative contract with Tennessee this offseason, only to emerge from trade speculation before the midpoint of the season.

Trade changed by Joey Porter Jr. the Steelers’ Second Plans

The Steelers received a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder from Dallas in exchange for Porter, a former second-round selection who started 41 games in Pittsburgh.

His departure immediately put more than other cornerbacks. Dean missed the October 11 win against Indianapolis with an ankle injury, forcing Samuel and Everette into the starting job.

They answered the challenge. Samuel broke up four passes in the 34-22 victory, while Everette added two in his first NFL start. Dean returned the following week against Tampa Bay, but the Colts’ game provided a reminder of how quickly depth can be tested.

Pittsburgh also has Sean Murphy-Bunting, Brandin Echols and Terell Smith on its depth chart. Adding a proven outside corner would give the coaches another option without putting more responsibility on rookie Everette.

The Steelers have another possible solution in Jalen Ramsey. The veteran played primarily in the slot, though a potential move back to the outside was floated after Porter’s departure.

There is also some substance behind the trade speculation. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Oct. 28 that Pittsburgh is looking for help at both cornerback and receiver.

That receiver interest includes Indianapolis’ Josh Downs, whose name has come up in recent Steelers trade reports.

But while Rodgers has established pass catchers in DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., the question at cornerback became sharper after Pittsburgh got rid of a former starter.

The Steelers have until Nov. 10 to decide if the group that survives the Porter trade is also the group they want for the stretch run.

Shane Shoes Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist who covers college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker