The Pittsburgh Steelers did not make any trades before the NFL trade deadline on October 31.
ESPN’s Jeff Simon reported that Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson had been traded to Pittsburgh in return for two future draft picks. The transaction fell through shortly after, leaving Johnson with the Bears until the end of the season.
Levi Wallace’s injury created an opportunity for a Trade of Jaylon Johnson
Johnson, 24, was the ideal backup for Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace. The freshly demoted cornerback is in the final year of his two-year, $8 million contract. As an unrestricted free agent, he will have the choice of returning to Pittsburgh or seeking brighter pastures elsewhere.
Joey Porter Jr. started last Sunday’s 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Porter Jr. filled in for Wallace, who is recovering from an ankle injury. As a result, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made Porter Jr.’s spot in the starting lineup permanent. This offers Wallace more reason to utilize his free market options.
Porter Jr. must demonstrate whether or not he is ready to be a full-time starter. According to his body of work, the 23-year-old has made major plays that have connected with coach Tomlin and gone viral. This is his tackle on Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. late in the Steelers’ 17-10 divisional win on Oct. 8.
Porter Jr.’s views on the promotion were reported by Teresa Varsley of Steelers.com. He appears to be prepared to step into the shoes that have been assigned to him:
“This is something I dealt with at Penn State my freshman year, having to take a step back after being the guy, being the main guy,” Porter said. “It wasn’t something new to me.” I knew what I needed to do, what I needed to work on, and I simply accepted responsibility for what I needed to accomplish.”
In the secondary, there are too many mouths to feed. A Possible Reason for Pittsburgh’s Pause
Based on the terms of the aborted Johnson trade, his presence in Pittsburgh would have made him the team’s fourth best cornerback. Someone’s snap count would have suffered as a result.
With two interceptions, Johnson has already surpassed his previous career high. In his starting role, he has also equaled his career best with one forced fumble. A change of surroundings with less chances had the potential to cause a schism among the franchise in the short run.
Once the season is over, the Steelers may make another move for Johnson. Their secondary has made critical plays that have helped them reach a 4-2 record.
With an attack that has shown hints of greatness but is still a work in progress, the Steelers cannot afford to compromise taking away 1st Down opportunities in the air (81 passing 1st downs) and restricting quarterbacks to the 5th lowest completion percentage (60.1%).
Other Trade Alternatives The Steelers Passed on Carolina Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns, who was a trade target for numerous teams prior to the deadline. The Steelers made no move for him. Burns has 5 sacks on the season and has played well for the Panthers, where he returned after being released.
The Steelers’ tight end productivity has been a source of concern. The Steelers were able to acquire TE Austin Hooper from the Las Vegas Raiders. Hooper has 118 receiving yards, which is only 34 less than Connor Hayward, Pay Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington combined.
The Steelers decided against bringing in a pass-catcher to assist QB Kenny Pickett in finding first downs on third and manageable downs. Overall, the Steelers will stick with their current roster in order to win the NFC North and compete for the Super Bowl.
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