A significant setback: The Steelers Pittsburgh have made it official that they will be selling the all-time great player who wasn’t the main target for sale.
As we head into Week 6, the Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting pretty atop the AFC North.
Pittsburgh demonstrated its potential in the divisional title contest with its thrilling comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
To maintain that edge, Mike Tomlin’s team could require one or two reinforcements prior to the NFL trade deadline.
Injuries and a lack of output have shown up in a few positions where the Steelers might need some assistance.
In the event that Darnell Washington is unable to become the team’s starting tight end and Pat Freiermuth is still out, an experienced tight end would be a suitable trade candidate.
As the season progresses, the Steelers can always use some insurance for T.J. Watt on the edge to make their defense even more formidable.
With eight receptions and 53 receiving yards, Freiermuth tops the group. He had a hamstring issue that kept him out of the Week 5 game against Baltimore.
While Freiermuth heals, Washington and Connor Heyward might not be able to provide the kind of impact the Steelers need from a tight end to support Kenny Pickett.
Washington’s enormous body makes him a potential star tight end, but he is still a rookie.
The New England Patriots’ acquisition of Mike Gesicki has not gone as expected. In Weeks 1 and 2, the former Miami Dolphins tight end had eight receptions; in the final three weeks, he had four receptions.
A couple clubs may try to trade for Gesicki as a result of New England’s offensive woes, which may eliminate the Patriots from the playoff race rather quickly.
Before the Georgia product is prepared to take on a bigger load in the passing game, Gesicki may fill in for Freiermuth as he recovers and bridge the gap to Washington.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, October 9, 2023: During an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Green Bay Packers at Allegiant Stadium on October 9, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Austin Hooper #81 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball against Keisean Nixon #25 of the Green Bay Packers. Picture courtesy of Michael Owens/Getty Images
Getty Images / Michael Owens
The Steelers might also look to draft veteran tight end Austin Hooper to add to their passing game depth.
Michael Mayer might replace Hooper in the Las Vegas Raiders offense in the upcoming weeks.
Jimmy Garoppolo gave the Notre Dame rookie plenty of attention during Monday night’s passing game, leaving Hooper to block most of the time.
Due to his one-year contract, Hooper may provide a seasoned presence in the tight end room at a very low cost.
If Washington is more effective in the passing game, Pittsburgh might not need a tight end in a few weeks, but for now, even a slight upgrade might be used to complete an attack that already features two reliable running backs and a couple standout wide receivers.
