Like most .500 teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some holes on their depth chart. Injuries have largely contributed to those holes, specifically on the defensive line. Pittsburgh's youth on the offensive line has been a main storyline during the first part of the season. And while the unit has shown significant growth in recent weeks, it would certainly be strengthened be a veteran added into the mix.
Fortunately for the Steelers, they still possess elite level players in free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, cornerback Joe Haden, and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Pittsburgh also has a budding group of skill position players led by receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and rookie running back Najee Harris. And they still have the veteran presence of Ben Roethlisberger, whose play steadily improved during the Steelers' last two games.
Let's take a look at three trades the Steelers could make before the Nov. 2 deadline.
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NT Zach Kerr from 49ers for a 6th or 7th round pick
With Tyson Alualu out for the season, the Steelers need depth in the interior of their defensive line. San Francisco may be willing to part with Kerr, who is one of several backup defensive linemen on the 49ers who are in the final year of their contracts. In Kerr, the Steelers would get a 31-year-old veteran with 91 regular season games and 16 starts under his belt. In 13 games and four starts last season, Kerr recorded 32 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble as a member of the Carolina Panthers.
DE Clelin Ferrell from Raiders for a 5th or 6th round pick
With Stephon Tuitt still sidelined, Pittsburgh could also use depth at defensive end. The answer could come in the form of Ferrell, a former first-round pick who would benefit from a chance of scenery. After making 26 starts in his first two seasons, Ferrell has yet to start this season and has not played in more than 27 percent of the Raiders' defensive snaps in any of their first six games. Ferrell has shown flashes of his potential. He had 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and eight passes defensed in his first two seasons. He is also just 24 years old and could get better with more experience.
C/G Austin Blythe from Chiefs for a 5th or 6th round pick
Pittsburgh's offensive line has been a work in progress. Rookies Dan Moore Jr. and Kendrick Green continue to grow into their role as starters. The same can be said of second-year guard Kevin Dotson. The unit could use a veteran backing them up. An option here could be Blythe, who has yet to play this season after signing with the Chiefs this offseason. A five-year veteran, Blythe started in a Super Bowl as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. He has 71 regular season games and 49 starts under his belt. Blythe can play both center and guard, which would certainly come in handy in the event the Steelers' sustain an injury at either position.
