Steelers' Hypothetical Trades, Free-Agent Signings to Benefit Kenny Pickett in 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers did a nice job over the last few offseasons to build up their offensive depth.

Kenny Pickett enters the 2024 season with plenty of options at the offensive skill positions, led by George Pickens and Jaylen Warren.

Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth should be heavily involved once again.

That leaves Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff with a clear directive to improve the offensive line either through free agency or trades to ensure Pickett stays upright.

Pittsburgh could add a depth piece at wide receiver to partner Johnson and Pickens as well, but the offensive line must be the No. 1 target, if Pickett remains the starting quarterback in 2024.

Trade Up in Draft for Offensive Line Help

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 11: Amarius Mims #65 during a game between University of Mississippi and University of Georgia at Sanford Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

The top of the 2024 NFL draft class should benefit Pittsburgh's interests.

The expectation is that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels will be the top three selections.

That will push the top offensive line prospects further down the top 10 into spots that are easier to trade into from the Steelers' perspective.

Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department projected three offensive linemen to be selected in the top 10, including Georgia's Amarius Mims at No. 10.

Mims should be the target of a potential trade into the top 10 unless Notre Dame's Joe Alt or Penn State's Olu Fashanu tumble out of the top six.

Securing a long-term protector for Pickett is imperative this offseason and the draft may be the best way to complete that goal.

Sign Jermaine Eluemunor

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Las Vegas Raiders guard Jermaine Eluemunor (72) run blocks during the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Steelers could dip into free agency to land the ideal protection for Pickett.

Jermaine Eluemunor is coming off a solid season with the Las Vegas Raiders in which he earned a 72 pass-block grade from Pro Football Focus.

The offensive line free-agent market is not great, but Eluemunor stands out because of his pass-blocking skills and versatility across the offensive line.

The Steelers do not need a flashy name on the offensive interior. They need someone who can keep Pickett upright and help him distribute the ball to Pickens and Co.

Eluemunor fits that billing and he will not be as expensive as other top offensive tackle free agents, like Tyron Smith, Trent Brown or Mike Onwenu.

Add Noah Brown in Free Agency

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HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 24: Noah Brown #85 of the Houston Texans runs across the field during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The Steelers could use a physical possession-based wide receiver who can complement Johnson and Pickens.

Noah Brown fits that mold with his 6'2", 215-pound frame.

Brown thrived in a supporting role in each of the last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.

He recorded over 500 receiving yards in both campaigns and found the end zone on five occasions.

Brown could take some pressure off Johnson and Pickens when it comes to wide receiver production and he would allow Freiermuth to not be the only option Pickett can trust across the middle.