As the NFL trade deadline approached, the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves sitting atop the tightly-contested AFC North at 6-2. Despite their strong start, the club recognized the opportunity to bolster their roster for the stretch run. In a pair of savvy moves, Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan addressed key areas of need, acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets and pass rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers.
The Steelers are no strangers to midseason trades, having previously added key contributors like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Avery Williamson to fuel playoff pushes. This year, with a difficult second-half slate looming, Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin identified the need for reinforcements at receiver and edge rusher.
Upgrade at Wide Receiver
In Williams, the Steelers landed a speedy deep threat to complement their existing receiving corps. The third-year pro had flashed potential with the Jets, but found himself the odd man out in a crowded position group. According to a source close to the team, Pittsburgh views Williams as an ideal fit for Matt Canada’s offense, with the ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
“Mike has all the tools to be a difference-maker in our scheme,” the source said. “His speed, route-running, and knack for making contested catches will add a new dimension to our passing game.”
The Steelers feel Williams’ presence will open things up for their other playmakers, forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and creating more favorable matchups. The 27-year-old is expected to make his black and gold debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
Bolstering the Pass Rush
In Smith, Pittsburgh added a proven commodity to their outside linebacker rotation. The eighth-year veteran has been a consistent threat off the edge throughout his career, tallying 66.5 sacks, including 6 this season with the Packers. Smith’s experience and well-rounded skill set should allow him to make an immediate impact in the Steelers’ aggressive defensive scheme.
“We love Preston’s motor and the energy he brings,” a defensive coach told me. “He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better. Between him, T.J. [Watt], Alex [Highsmith], and Cam [Heyward], we feel like we have the makings of a special pass rush.”
The Steelers are hopeful that Smith’s presence will help them generate more consistent pressure, forcing opposing quarterbacks into mistakes and allowing their opportunistic secondary to create game-changing turnovers. Like Williams, Smith is slated to suit up on Sunday against a potent Commanders offense.
Early NFC East Test
Sunday’s tilt with the 7-2 Commanders will provide an immediate opportunity for the Steelers’ new acquisitions to make an impact. Washington has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises, riding a dominant defense and efficient offense to the top of the NFC East. A win would not only validate Pittsburgh’s deadline deals, but also send a message to the rest of the league that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
The matchup will be strength vs strength, as the Steelers’ revamped pass rush takes aim at the Commanders’ stout offensive line. On the other side of the ball, Williams will look to exploit a Washington secondary that’s been susceptible to giving up big plays. If both acquisitions can hit the ground running, it would go a long way towards securing a crucial victory.
Primed for a Playoff Push
With nine games remaining and a slim lead in the division, the Steelers know they have little margin for error. But with Williams and Smith in tow, they feel better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. A favorable finish could secure them a top-4 playoff seed and a legitimate shot at a deep postseason run.
“We like where we’re at, but we know there’s a lot of work left to do,” a team source confided. “Mike and Preston are going to play a big part in what we hope to accomplish. It’s an exciting time, but we’ve got to stay locked in and take it one game at a time.”
If the new-look Steelers can hit their stride down the stretch, they have the talent and pedigree to emerge as a true Super Bowl contender. The journey begins Sunday in the nation’s capital, with a chance to make an early statement against a formidable foe. All eyes will be on Williams and Smith as they don the black and gold for the first time, eager to prove that the Steelers’ deadline dealings will pay dividends when it matters most.
