NFL Trade Speculation: 6 Pittsburgh Steelers Potentially on the Trading Block
While the Pittsburgh Steelers are not usually a team active in the trade market, they may try to move some spare parts this year in an effort to upgrade, get younger and/or fill some needs.
The problem is that the Steelers don't usually keep people on the roster who don't fit a specific need or talent. Picking out players on the roster right now that could be trade pieces isn't easy.
Here are six players currently on the roster that might be trade pieces for the Steelers.
1. William Gay, CB
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Value to Other Teams
Gay has had his ups and downs with the Steelers. He's not a starting-caliber player. He is, however, a serviceable backup corner who can play well in the nickel and could excel in a less blitz-heavy system.
It's hard to project his value after all of his shortcomings were exposed in 2009 and in parts of 2010, but Gay could be one of those players who just fits best in a certain system.
Availability
Until the Steelers resolve the contract situation of Ike Taylor, it's unlikely they'll do much with Gay. He projects, if the rules hold, to be a restricted free agent this year. Teams could choose to trade for his rights and then sign him.
If the team gets Taylor back, Gay will be expendable.
2. Byron Leftwich, QB
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Value to Other Teams
You won't see him starting for anyone in the near future, but an experienced backup that could come cheaply is hard to find these days. He's a steady player who has shown a good ability to step in and perform well in limited stretches.
He'd need to be behind a sturdy offensive line and also would probably be best in a run-oriented system. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes with the football, but his lack of mobility and his long windup limit his upside.
Availability
We've been down this road before in a way. Leftwich was here and then the Steelers let him go. Then they traded with Tampa Bay to get him back. They could trade him away if asked.
Pittsburgh has Charlie Batch for at least one more year and could opt for a younger player that they can groom as a long-term backup.
3. Jonathan Dwyer, RB
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Value to Other Teams
Dwyer is a physical back who has decent speed. He hasn't had much opportunity to showcase his talents at the NFL level, but he could be useful for teams that are trying to establish a two-back system or that lack a more physical player.
The Steelers, with the draft addition of Baron Batch, have a full compliment in the backfield and still could pursue Mewelde Moore in free agency. Dwyer may be the odd man out.
Availability
The Steelers, even with Batch added to the stable, could choose to give Dwyer one more long look in camp this season. He's a decent player and could impress if given an opportunity.
The problem is that Batch has more of what the team lacks (versatility, explosiveness, big-play potential). Dwyer is more along the lines of a traditional runner, so he may have to go elsewhere.
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4. Aaron Smith, DE
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Value to Other Teams
Teams seem to always be switching between defensive systems. Anyone who does usually has a void at some position because of it. Smith could be a good veteran presence to teams looking for a short term fix while making changes or for a team with unprepared youngsters in need of grooming.
At his age and with his health issues, he's not likely to be a long-term starter or even a full-time player at this point in his career.
Availability
This is a doomsday scenario for a lot of fans who feel like dealing away one of the franchise's current cornerstones is an egregious error. Granted, this would not be the normal mode of operation for this team, but it may be a good idea.
The team has Ziggy Hood already capable of starting and could use rookie Cameron Heyward as a prime backup. Smith might be more valuable at this point to another team than he is in Pittsburgh. Unpopular or not, it could be the right move.
5. Larry Foote, LB
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Value to Other Teams
Foote is still a capable player and could be a good fit in a system similar to the one Pittsburgh runs. He found out how hard it is to succeed outside of Pittsburgh when he went to Detroit for 2009, but he was hardly useful upon his return and is now surrounded by young guys like Stevenson Sylvester and Chris Carter.
He could be a good backup somewhere, or he could even be a starter for another year or two.
Availability
The team is likely to go into the season with one fewer linebacker than they already have. Jason Worilds is the lone outside linebacker, so he'll stay.
It's unlikely the team will give up on 2010 draftee Stevenson Sylvester. That leaves Foote and rookie Chris Carter. It would seem that Foote ends up the odd man out.
6. Antwaan Randle El, WR
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Value to Other Teams
He won't be a starter anywhere, but he could still be an efficient and effective slot receiver. He's also versatile, which could give him some value to teams that lack offensive firepower (I'm looking at you, Carolina).
Randle El had little impact last season, but he was buried behind younger talents. On a team where he's among the top three at his position, he might still put up some good numbers.
Availability
At this point, Randle El is probably the odd man out. He's behind starters Hines Ward and Mike Wallace, backups Emmanuel Sanders, Antonio Brown and Arnaz Battle and developmental players like Limas Sweed and Wes Lyons.
With all of that available talent, it seems like Randle El is going to be somewhere else by the time the curtain goes up on 2011.
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