The NFL offseason is always a hotbed for trade chatter, and while the major moves might be in the rearview mirror, the rumor mill continues to churn. The Pittsburgh Steelers, after securing Michael Pittman Jr., have been relatively quiet on the trade front. Yet, that hasn't stopped the buzz surrounding potential deals.
Recently, Garrett Podell from CBS Sports stirred the pot by listing five superstars who might be on the move. Among those names, he intriguingly linked the Steelers to Jonathan Taylor.
The Indianapolis Colts, according to Podell, could face challenges replicating last season's success. With Daniel Jones on the mend from a torn Achilles and Alec Pierce battling an ankle injury, the Colts might be staring down a rocky start.
This scenario could prompt the Colts to consider parting ways with Taylor, who's entering the final year of his contract. Podell suggests that the Steelers could potentially acquire Taylor for a third-round pick.
However, the Steelers making a play for Jonathan Taylor might not be the wisest move. Pittsburgh's backfield is quietly robust.
Jaylen Warren is a hidden gem, often flying under the radar, while Rico Dowdle brings a bruising presence to the lineup. The depth chart is rounded out with diverse talents like Kaleb Johnson, who is looking to bounce back from a challenging rookie year, special teams ace Travis Homer, and the versatile Eli Heidenreich.
Adding Taylor, despite his undeniable talent, seems unnecessary. The current NFL landscape doesn't value running backs as it once did, and parting with a third-round pick for a potential one-season rental is a hefty price.
There's also the possibility that the Colts could find their stride if Jones returns to form quickly. They were a force last year with him leading the charge, and unloading a key player like Taylor might not be in their best interest if a playoff push is on the horizon.
For the Steelers, while they're likely to be in the playoff conversation, the idea of them making a deep run is a stretch. Even if they were to make a splash, bringing in a running back might not shift the needle significantly.
While the notion of Taylor being traded, especially if the Colts falter, isn't outlandish, seeing him in a Steelers uniform seems far-fetched. This trade talk feels more like offseason speculation than a realistic scenario.
In Other News...
Steelers Could Sacrifice Cornerback Depth For One Surprising Trade Candidate
The Steelers cornerback room has gotten crowded enough that any roster tweak now has to be weighed against depth, contract situations and the teams long-term plans. Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean all come with different reasons they are less likely to move, whether it is contract status, role, performance or how the team views them going forward.
Asante Samuel Jr. stands out as the more movable name in that mix after signing a one-year deal in March and making it back for six games last season following spinal surgery. Even so, Pittsburgh would have to decide whether the return is worth thinning out a position group that already needs to be handled carefully, especially if the market only brings modest draft compensation. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Roster Projection Puts Unexpected Heat On Familiar Tackle
The Steelers offensive line picture for 2026 already has a clearer shape than it did a few months ago, and much of that comes from the way the front office has attacked the position through the draft. Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker all look like safe bets to stick, giving Pittsburgh a young core to build around while the rest of the room fights for whatever spots are left.
What makes the exercise interesting is how those additions have shifted the balance of power across the line. Fautanu is expected to settle back on the left side after handling right tackle last season, while Dunkers path points to work on the interior, and that kind of reshuffling can squeeze the veterans and the fringe guys who once looked more secure. The Steelers have usually carried a pretty steady number of linemen, but with a new coaching staff in place, even that long-standing tendency may not be enough to settle every battle. [Read more 🡒]