JUST IN: The Steelers surprise everyone by making another trade before the deadline.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, Pittsburgh Steelers fans were bracing for a quiet period, expecting the team to focus on fine-tuning what appeared to be a steadily improving roster. However, in a move that left the football world stunned, the Steelers front office pulled off an unexpected trade that could have significant implications for the remainder of the season.
In a bold stroke of decision-making, the Steelers acquired a proven, high-impact player who fills a critical need. Speculation was rampant leading up to the deadline—would the Steelers target an offensive lineman, bolster their defense, or maybe seek out an additional playmaker for quarterback Kenny Pickett? The answer came swiftly when it was reported that the Steelers had made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, bringing in star cornerback **A.J. Terrell** in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick.
This move immediately raised eyebrows across the league. Terrell, just 24 years old, had been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFC, earning recognition for his shutdown ability and elite coverage skills. In 2023, he had been a constant presence in the Falcons’ secondary, and many analysts had predicted he’d be one of the top cornerbacks available ahead of the deadline. However, few expected Pittsburgh to make a play for him, especially since they already boasted a solid group of defensive backs, headlined by star Minkah Fitzpatrick.
For the Steelers, this trade represents a major commitment to their defense. Pittsburgh’s defense had been effective this season, but they had struggled with consistency in their secondary, particularly against high-powered passing offenses. While Fitzpatrick has continued to shine as one of the top safeties in the league, the cornerback position has been a bit of a revolving door, with young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Levi Wallace still finding their footing. By acquiring a player like Terrell, the Steelers now have a bona fide shutdown corner to pair with Fitzpatrick, giving their defense the elite coverage needed to compete with the likes of high-flying offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs or Miami Dolphins.
Terrell’s ability to shadow top receivers and lock down one side of the field will allow defensive coordinator **Teryl Austin** to get creative. With the added coverage lockdown on the outside, Pittsburgh can afford to send more pressure from their front seven, led by **T.J. Watt** and **Alex Highsmith**. This is crucial, as Pittsburgh has struggled to consistently generate pressure without leaving their secondary exposed. Terrell’s presence could be the missing piece that elevates the entire defense.
The trade did not come cheaply. The Steelers sent a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Falcons in exchange for Terrell, a price that reflects both his potential and the scarcity of elite cornerback talent in the NFL. Losing two premium picks, especially a second-rounder, stings, but Pittsburgh seems willing to trade future draft capital for a player who can help them win now.
