Steelers Need to Make Move to Compete With Bills, Chiefs, and Jaguars in AFC

Unless the Pittsburgh Steelers believe they can find a franchise quarterback during the offseason, it almost feels like this season is now or never for them to compete in the playoffs. 

It's very possible that the Steelers are going to find a guy they like in the NFL draft next season or via a trade, as Pittsburgh has shown that it's willing to figure out the quarterback situation even if it takes moving on from assets.

However, it's also fair to mention that prior to Aaron Rodgers joining the team, it wasn't exactly like the team had a perfect option under center. In fact, the Steelers' quarterback situation was among the worst in the entire NFL.

But that should also be in the back of everybody's minds at this year's trade deadline. With a few days remaining before the deadline, it's very safe to say that the Steelers need to be ready to go out and make a couple of moves. 

I wouldn't mind if it's on either side of the football, but it's very evident at the moment that Pittsburgh has to improve at the wide receiver position. There's also an argument to be made that the Steelers could use some help on the defensive side of the football, but I'm more focused on how they're going to improve offensively.

That's exactly why I love the recent words from one longtime Steelers analyst, who said that now is the time to make the move because they have to be all in.

“Khan's biggest deadline trade was in 2022, when he sent Chase Claypool to Chicago for the 32nd overall pick, who turned into Joey Porter Jr., whom he traded earlier in the year. Colts receiver Josh Downs seems like a perfect fit in terms of availability and price. Being on an expiring contract, a third-day pick might be the price. Brian Thomas Jr., Juwan Jennings, Calvin Ridley, Ladd McConkey, or whoever is available has been explored by Khan; you can be assured of that.

“Now is the time to make that move because they need to be all in, not like a .500 team needing a spark, but like a team that just whipped the Browns and has more wins than anyone in the league midway through the year,” Mark Kaboly wrote.

As Kaboly touched on here, the Steelers are in just as good of a position as any team in the AFC at the moment. 

Sitting at 6-2 and in first place in the AFC North, we have to feel like Pittsburgh has a legitimate opportunity to make some noise in this year's playoffs, depending on who it ends up playing. 

Of course, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars might be better at the moment. However, it's also fair to mention that adding players at this year's deadline could be the reason why Pittsburgh ends up being just as good, if not better, than those teams.