The Pittsburgh Steelers, renowned for their strategic acumen in the NFL, have made headlines this offseason with some savvy acquisitions. Under the management of General Manager Omar Khan, the Steelers orchestrated a cost-effective trade acquiring quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears and welcomed former Denver Broncos quarterback, Russell Wilson, each deal striking a balance between talent and value.
This offseason, Pittsburgh didn’t just stop at quarterbacks. They have also added defensive prowess in the form of safety DeShon Elliott and linebacker Patrick Queen. Despite having a defense that drove them to a playoff spot in 2023, the Steelers are still looking to enhance their defensive line, especially with Cameron Heyward’s contract situation and the departure of Markus Golden affecting their pass rush.
The team’s resilience is notably tested when star outside linebacker T.J. Watt is absent—sporting a concerning 1-11 record in such games. This highlights a critical area for potential improvement: depth at the edge rusher position to maintain defensive performance even without Watt.
Analyzing the Proposed Pittsburgh Steelers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade
The latest buzz around potential strategic moves includes a proposed trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. This idea was suggested by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, who noted that while the Steelers’ primary gaps might lie in the wide receiver and corner positions, enhancing the edge rush depth could provide an unexpected but significant uplift.
The specifics of the trade involve Pittsburgh receiving Tryon-Shoyinka along with a 2025 seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Despite Tryon-Shoyinka’s somewhat underwhelming sack record and his decreasing game time overshadowed by newcomers like YaYa Diaby in Tampa Bay, his athletic prowess remains undervalued. The Buccaneers, having decided against activating his fifth-year option and recently signing Randy Gregory, appear ready to part with Tryon-Shoyinka.
Mock Draft Monday:
The @NFLDraft 1st round was surprising.
Bowers dropped further than expected.
If the @Raiders & @Broncos both go QB, they’ll trade down to do so.@Giants, @Saints, @RamsNFL go QB Day Two.@Titans, @nyjets, @Seahawks, @steelers, @Buccaneers go QB Day Three. pic.twitter.com/uroe6DicPk
— Waiver Wire Fantasy Football (@Waiver_Wire_FF) April 22, 2024
Potential Impact of Tryon-Shoyinka on the Pittsburgh Steelers
If this trade were to proceed, Pittsburgh might just be the perfect environment for Tryon-Shoyinka to revitalize his career. At 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, his athletic abilities are distinct, and under the mentorship of a player like Watt and a robust coaching team, he could very well refine his technique to become a more productive player.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles emphasized Tryon-Shoyinka’s versatility, stating, “Joe can move all across the line of scrimmage and help us in a lot of things. He’s one of those chess pieces that I talk about.” His flexibility could be a boon for Pittsburgh, offering them different defensive schemes and approaches, particularly if Watt faces more downtime.
In Pittsburgh, Tryon-Shoyinka would find fewer double teams and more one-on-one opportunities, as offensive lines typically shift their focus towards Watt. This could expedite his development into a significant threat on the field, complementing Watt and potentially boosting the Steelers’ defensive efficacy.
A Win-Win for Pittsburgh Steelers?
With its low cost and high potential for upside, acquiring Tryon-Shoyinka could be a clever move for the Steelers. It provides them not just a player, but a potential game-changer who could grow into a crucial part of their defensive strategy.
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see how this trade plays out, potentially setting a precedent for how underutilized players can turn around their careers with the right team and the right conditions.
