Top Steelers Trade Targets Entering 2024 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers must freshen up their roster in the NFL offseason to be more competitive in the AFC in 2024.

The big question lies at quarterback and whether Kenny Pickett is the franchise quarterback moving forward.

Pittsburgh's offense possesses plenty of young talent, led by George Pickens, so the team should not be in the market for the top-tier pass-catchers.

A quarterback trade could happen because the Steelers sit at No. 20 in the 2024 NFL draft order, a long ways from where the top quarterbacks should be chosen.

The Steelers could also look to improve their protection for their quarterback and the defensive backfield in order to compete with the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.

Carlton Davis

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 10: Carlton Davis III #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs to the sideline during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

Carlton Davis is entering the final year of his contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That could allow the Bucs to shop the veteran defensive back in the trade market this offseason.

Davis comes with a massive price tag. He comes with a salary cap hit of $20 million in 2024, per Spotrac, but he could be worth the risk for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has four cornerbacks set to hit free agency and it needs some fresh bodies at the position.

In the best-case scenario, the Steelers could ship a draft pick or two to Tampa Bay for Davis and not only have him succeed in 2024, but help mentor Joey Porter Jr. to become an All-Pro cornerback as well.

Bradley Bozeman

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Bradley Bozeman #56 of the Carolina Panthers prepares to snap the ball during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers may be more willing to trade away veteran players than their NFC South brethren because of their coaching change.

The Steelers could trade for Bradley Bozeman to improve their offensive line in front of Pickett, if he is the starter in 2024.

Bozeman has two years left on his contract. He is scheduled to make $7.6 million in both seasons.

The price of Bozeman's contract and the potential return of draft picks of Carolina could scare away the Steelers, but it is worth a shot to at least explore trades for veteran offensive linemen.

A Top 10 Draft Pick

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BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Steelers could go all-in on acquiring a new quarterback by trading into the top 10 of the 2024 NFL draft.

The current quarterback trade options, like Justin Fields, Mac Jones and Sam Howell, are either on the same level of Kenny Pickett or worse.

Pittsburgh could use a more dynamic quarterback and that is where Jayden Daniels fits into this scenario.

The Steelers would have to pay a hefty price to get into the top three to secure one of the top three quarterbacks in the draft class. They could also play the waiting game on draft night and hope that Daniels falls past No. 3 and more teams are willing to discuss trades.

Pittsburgh could offer some combination of its second-round, third-round and two fourth-round selections and a player or two to make the big splash happen on draft day.