Ranking top 3 Steelers most likely to be dealt at 2026 NFL trade deadline

Ranking top 3 Steelers most likely to be dealt at 2026 NFL trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Pittsburgh Steelers have rediscovered their winning formula. However, that does not mean every player on their roster is untouchable. Sitting at 6-2 and leading the AFC North, Mike McCarthy’s team has legitimate postseason ambitions. Still, general manager Omar Khan must consider whether certain roster pieces could be more valuable as trade assets than as depth options. With the November 10 deadline approaching, Pittsburgh has a chance to address its remaining weaknesses. QB Mason Rudolph The most logical trade candidate is veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph . Pittsburgh’s decision to carry four quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster was an unusual luxury. Of course, Aaron Rodgers firmly established as the starter. Will Howard and Drew Allar represent developmental options. Rudolph, meanwhile, is a veteran with extensive starting experience. He could provide immediate stability to a team suddenly dealing with a quarterback crisis. At 31, Rudolph has appeared in 37 career games and made 19 starts. He also knows Pittsburgh’s system and has demonstrated that he can operate an NFL offense when called upon. His two-year, $7.5 million contract is relatively affordable. That makes him a potentially attractive option for a contender seeking a reliable backup or temporary starter. Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial) There is already a plausible market for experienced quarterbacks. Minnesota, for instance, could explore additional depth after moving on from JJ McCarthy. Injuries elsewhere could also create another opening. However, Pittsburgh should not assume that Rudolph will command a premium selection. He has made only one start since returning to the Steelers in 2025. A conditional late-round pick may be a more realistic return. Still, moving him would create roster flexibility. That could potentially give Khan another asset to address offensive tackle or secondary depth. CB Asante Samuel Jr. Asante Samuel Jr. ranks second, although trading him would be considerably more complicated. The cornerback signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Pittsburgh in March. That makes him a potential free agent after the season. It also gives the Steelers a reason to consider extracting value now. Samuel has also played enough meaningful football to attract interest. He has started all eight games in 2026. He has recorded 28 tackles and eight passes defended. His experience and ability to contribute in different coverage looks could appeal to teams looking for another dependable defensive back. At 27, he is also young enough to offer more than a short-term rental. However, Pittsburgh should be careful about creating a hole it cannot easily fill. Samuel has played 94.5% of the team’s defensive snaps. That makes him an established part of their secondary rather than a surplus player. The Steelers also cannot afford to weaken their cornerback depth while chasing a division title. If a contender offers a meaningful mid-round selection, Khan should listen. Otherwise, retaining Samuel for the playoff push may be the better decision. LB Cole Holcomb Cole Holcomb completes the list as a possible depth-for-assets trade. The veteran linebacker has found himself in a difficult positional situation. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson command the majority of defensive opportunities. Holcomb has played only 22 defensive snaps through eight games. That limited defensive role makes him an understandable candidate for teams seeking experienced linebacker depth. Holcomb has appeared in 72 career games. He brings valuable knowledge of NFL defensive responsibilities. A contender dealing with injuries could view him as a useful rotational defender who can step into a larger role when needed. The financial picture, however, makes this less straightforward. Holcomb signed a two-year, $5 million contract in March. He is not simply an expiring-contract rental. Pittsburgh would need to consider the remaining commitment and whether the compensation justifies surrendering a veteran who still contributes on special teams. A late-round pick or conditional selection could make sense. That said, the Steelers should not move him merely to clear a small amount of cap space. Selective, not desperate The Steelers are in no position to conduct a fire sale. Their winning record, recent defensive dominance , and resurgent ground game make them legitimate contenders. Their upcoming Sunday night matchup against Cincinnati could have major implications for the AFC North race. That context should shape every deadline decision. Rudolph is the most logical player to move if a quarterback-needy team makes an attractive offer. Samuel is a more difficult decision because of his starting role and pending free agency. Holcomb is a possible depth move rather than a priority departure. Khan should remain open to opportunities. However, he must avoid weakening a roster that has worked hard to establish itself as a contender. The objective is not to trade players simply because the deadline is approaching. It is to make Pittsburgh stronger for the stretch run without compromising its future. Related: Did Mike McCarthy just put the Steelers GM on the spot ahead of trade deadline? Related: Steelers HC Mike McCarthy gives ‘practical and realistic’ take on surprising 6-2 start