The Pittsburgh Steelers will soon report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe for their annual training camp. Head coach Mike McCarthy will become the first coach not named Mike Tomlin to lead the Steelers onto Chuck Noll Field in 19 years. The Steelers will seek answers at some positions while evaluating the depth they have at others. After the Detroit Lionsreleased a star cornerback, some may wonder whether general manager Omar Khan could make a phone call. However, a local insider has already poured cold water on that possibility.
Ray Fittipaldo recently responded to a fan’s speculation about this possibility. His answer was clear: It isn’t happening.
“They want to develop a young guy like [Daylen] Everette, and some of the older corners, such as [Jalen] Ramsey, likely won’t be used strictly as a corner. He’ll move around and be a chess piece for Patrick Graham.” Fittipaldo said.
Steelers shouldn’t entertain this despite strong cornerback depth
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The primary reason the Steelers shouldn’t consider this move is that it has been a long time since they have had four starting-caliber boundary cornerbacks. Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., and Ramsey can all step in and play effectively on the outside. However, with Ramsey serving as that chess piece, he can be penciled into the slot role. That leaves three strong options on the boundary. Everette and Brandin Echols become especially valuable depth pieces because of that flexibility.
Echols’ versatility to play both inside and outside cornerback makes him nearly indispensable. He also provides contributions on special teams. Everette, a third-round pick in this year’s draft, isn’t going anywhere. It is in the Steelers’ best interest to keep all of these players, especially considering projected starter Dean has never played a full season in his career.
Speculation could point to Samuel or Echols as potential trade candidates. However, the Steelers shouldn’t listen to offers unless they receive one of two specific types of proposals.
Steelers should only trade for a major overpay or to acquire a coveted player
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If the Steelers receive a third-round pick for Samuel or Echols, they would be foolish not to seriously consider it. That assumes they aren’t also sending out draft capital in the trade. Beyond that, a fourth-round pick at this stage of the season likely wouldn’t be enough to convince Khan to make a move. It would have to be a significant overpay. Perhaps if the trade deadline approaches and the Steelers can afford to part with one of their corners, a deal could make sense. Until then, moving one of these players would create unnecessary risk.
The only other scenario would involve the Steelers trading a cornerback for a coveted player. It cannot be for a fringe starter or someone who only fills a short-term need. The return would need to be a player who can make an immediate impact while remaining with the team beyond this season.
The question is: Who is actually available that fits that description, especially this early in the season?
Realistically, any legitimate trade discussions would likely take place closer to the trade deadline. At this point, as Fittipaldo explained, trading away a cornerback is not in the Steelers’ best interest.
