If there was one major takeaway from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season, it’s that their Super Bowl window is all but closed. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Black and Gold are unlikely to compete for their coveted seventh Lombardi Trophy anytime soon. With that in mind, here are several players the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading in 2025 if or when next season starts to unravel.
WR George Pickens:
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) looks on in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
George Pickens’ talent is undeniable; however, the drama that comes with him is less than ideal. Many will agree that this story has previously played out in similar fashion with Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool. The Steelers would be wise to get as much draft capital as they can before Pickens continues to diminish his value with immature antics, heading into a contract year in 2025.
DT Cameron Heyward:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
This one hurts. Arguably the most beloved Steelers defender over the past decade, it may be time to take trade calls for Cam Heyward. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl window is likely closed, and trading away Heyward for a third-round draft pick or a few Day 3 selections may be best for all parties involved. Heyward would get the opportunity to earn a Super Bowl with a true contender, while the Steelers gain assets to help rebuild in the NFL Draft.
OT Broderick Jones:
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is helped to his feet by offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 to finish the regular season at 9-8.
Another difficult decision, but this falls more on the shoulders of the Steelers’ coaching staff. Broderick Jones may garner some trade interest in 2025. His level of play was terrible in 2024—allowing 10 sacks, the second-most by an offensive tackle all season. Once OT Troy Fautanu has fully recovered from his knee injury, it will be interesting to see if Jones can succeed at left tackle, his natural position. However, if Jones struggles there as well, the Steelers should cut their losses.
Minkah Fitzpatrick:
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) looks to elude Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s level of play wasn’t as bad as many believe, but his ability to create splash plays took a nosedive in 2024. His contract is the real issue, as he is currently the third-highest-paid safety in the NFL, and his play from the free safety position simply doesn’t reflect that value for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers cannot renegotiate a pay cut, they should attempt to see what he’s worth on the trade market.
Isaac Seumalo:
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Similar to Heyward, the 31-year-old Isaac Seumalo has been excellent for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he isn’t getting any younger, and the Super Bowl window isn’t likely to open anytime soon. If the Steelers’ Super Bowl aspirations fade early in 2025, Seumalo should be one of the many veterans traded away for draft capital.
