Within the blink of a watch, GM Omar Khan made some upgrades to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, giving them solutions at positions of want forward of the 4 PM commerce deadline Tuesday.
The Steelers added huge receiver Mike Williams through commerce from the Jets and swung a cope with the Inexperienced Bay Packers to land EDGE Preston Smith in a shock transfer. Coming into the day, the Steelers had 52 gamers on their 53-man roster, so with the acquisition of Williams and Smith, a corresponding transfer was wanted.
They ended up waiving tight finish Rodney Williams from their 53-man roster. The Steelers additionally waived LB Craig Younger and WR Andy Isabella from their observe squad.
Although it’s powerful to see the Steelers transfer on from Rodney Williams — he might circle again to the observe squad if he clears waivers — the additions of Mike Williams and Smith are welcome for the Steelers, who’re set to enter a really difficult second half of the season.
Williams addresses depth and expertise considerations on the receiver place. Although he had his struggles this season in New York, Williams stays a strong receiver, one who continues to make performs in contested-catch conditions. On the season, Williams is five-for-seven in contested-catch conditions. He’s 94-for-171 in his profession, good for a 55% contested-catch fee.
He’s a downfield risk who doesn’t create a lot separation, however he can nonetheless win by means of contact and make performs above the rim. That’s what the Steelers want reverse George Pickens offensively underneath Arthur Smith. Former NFL GM Rick Spielman referred to as the Williams commerce a “excellent match.” for the Steelers.
As for Smith, the acquisition of the veteran EDGE defender provides the Steelers a major increase behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig. Herbig has missed the final three video games with a hamstring harm, however the second-year man is optimistic he’ll return in Week 10 towards the Commanders.
The Steelers’ depth has been examined at exterior linebacker this season. DeMarvin Leal was misplaced for the season resulting from a neck harm, Markus Golden retired in coaching camp, and Jeremiah Moon, who has been the No. 3 OLB with Herbig sidelined, began the season on IR earlier than returning in Week 5 towards the Cowboys.
Smith, who was acquired for a 2025 seventh-round decide, was in his sixth season with the Packers after spending the primary 4 seasons of his profession in Washington.
He’s racked up 68.5 profession sacks, however this season noticed his enjoying time dwindle. He performed simply 54% of Inexperienced Bay’s snaps on protection this season, registering 19 tackles and a couple of.5 sacks. Smith is sturdy, as he’s missed only one sport in his profession resulting from harm, having performed in 155 profession video games with 138 begins.
This season, Professional Soccer Focus has him with a 61.8 total grade, which ranks ninety fifth out of 192 certified EDGE rushers.
