Pittsburgh Steelers Stay a Step Behind in AFC North Trades

Frustration is not an emotion that Pittsburgh Steelers fans are accustomed to. This is a franchise that has had a long, rich tradition of success. So much so, that at times it is expected that they will always make the right moves to make this team a contender. 

But today, that didn't happen. And that point is illuminated by a move made by AFC North foe, the Baltimore Ravens.

It is no secret that the Steelers offensive line, in particular left tackle Mike Adams, has been dreadful this year. According to ProFootballFocus.com (subscription required), Adams is the 68th ranked offensive tackle in the league so far this season. With this information, I was excited when ESPN Bureau writer Josina Anderson tweeted this out.

"

Sources: Steelers T Kelvin Beachum displaced Mike Adams as starting LT at practice today. He's expected to start Steelers @ Jets out of bye.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 2, 2013"

However, excitement turned to confusion when the Pittsburgh Tribune Review Twitter account tweeted out about a potential trade that would bring Levi Brown to the Steelers.

"

Pending physical, @steelers trade for Arizona tackle Levi Brown, reports @arobinson_Trib http://t.co/di1xvJLwN3

— PittsburghTribSports (@TribSports) October 2, 2013"

This move is due in part because of the need for Kelvin Beachum to be available to back up multiple offensive-line spots, and also because left tackle is not his natural position. But Levi Brown? Really? The Steelers chose to go from the 68th ranked tackle to the 60th and consider it an upgrade?  But, there was no time to ponder that, because confusion turned to rage when ESPN Insider Adam Schefter sent out this tweet about division rival the Ravens. 

"

Update: Ravens are sending multiple third-day draft picks to Jacksonville in exchange for OT Eugene Monroe.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2013"

The disparity here is mind-numbing. Monroe is ranked 55th this year among tackles, but he was 15th in 2012 and fifth in 2011. His potential and upside is so much greater than Brown's.

If the Steelers were in the market for a new left tackle, did they even consider Monroe, or was this more of a Steelers/Cardinals connect with former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians now in charge of the Cardinals?

I don't fully understand how these two trades went down the way they did, but as this season progresses, Brown and Monroe will be linked in terms of how they play and the impact they have on their teams. Oh, what could have been?