​Trades, trades, and more trades! The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of players on their roster who have attracted trade talk this offseason, but there are three veteran players whose potential deals would make the most sense. From a cornerback who has been playing a depth role to a quarterback who’s on the outside looking in heading into his ninth season, here is a look at three trades the Steelers should consider before the 2026 season.
It’s no secret that Samuel has been the subject of trade chatter in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he could see his role reduced in a crowded cornerback room. The Detroit Lions, who recently released starting cornerback Terrion Arnold amid legal issues, could be an ideal landing spot for Samuel. A change of scenery for him in Detroit could help the Lions solidify their secondary while giving Samuel a fresh opportunity to contribute as a starter again.
Highsmith’s absence from mandatory minicamp, coupled with Nick Herbig’s substantial contract extension, has led many—including myself—to believe the Steelers could pursue a trade partner sooner rather than later. The San Francisco 49ers could desperately use another edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, and the Steelers might be one of the few teams with excess depth at that position who could make a meaningful swap. A deal with the 49ers could provide the Steelers with young talent or draft capital while helping San Francisco address a current need on the edge.
With Anthony Richardson generating a flurry of trade rumors, the Colts could very well be in the market for a reliable backup quarterback. Enter Mason Rudolph, who would serve as a solid QB2 behind Daniel Jones in 2026. Indianapolis would be wise to shore up the backup role quickly, given Jones’s Achilles injury history, and Rudolph satisfies that requirement while providing a stable veteran presence behind Jones.
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