The Pittsburgh Steelers were active on the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, and while this was expected no one truly knew what the team would do. It was assumed the Steelers would acquire a wide receiver, which they did, but would they make more than one trade? Indeed the Steelers did make multiple moves on Tuesday, and it’s time to take a look at how the trades are viewed from an outsider’s perspective.

Time to grade out the trades for wide receiver Mike Williams and pass rusher Preston Smith. Let’s get out the red pen and grade out these transactions…

Trade 1:

Steelers Get:

• WR Mike Williams

New York Jets Get:

• 2025 5th Round Draft Pick

The Steelers had interest in Williams in free agency, and that interest clearly continued to the deadline. There were rumors the Steelers inquired about other receivers, but if there isn’t a willing participant on the other end of the phone, or you can’t agree on compensation, does it even matter?

The Steelers got Williams for one of their two 5th Round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the worse of the two going to the Jets, and what they get in return is a good depth piece at receiver. Is Williams’ signing going to move the proverbial needle for the fan base? No, probably not. But Williams can also bring an element to the offense they don’t currently have in the deep passing game. Williams contested catch ability will pair nicely with both George Pickens and Russell Wilson, and can bring a new wrinkle to the team’s play calling.

If at the very worst Williams was nothing more than a depth piece, it was a smart move for a team who considers themselves a contender. And contenders can’t go far with a lack of depth at key positions. In this regard, mission accomplished without mortgaging yourself financially or in draft capital.

Grade: B

Trade 2:

Steelers Get:

• OLB Preston Smith

Green Bay Packers Get:

• 2025 7th Round Draft Pick

If I’m being honest, I didn’t see the Steelers making another trade on Tuesday. I thought after the Williams signing the team would just pack it in and call it a day. Instead, they made another trade for a defender. And an EDGE pass rusher at that!

What Smith brings to the defense is a veteran presence as a pass rusher who can both play more of a defensive end as well as an EDGE pass rusher. Smith will likely be used as a rotational pass rusher, and in certain packages where they want to get heavy on the edge to stop the run. Think about DeMarvin Leal’s role with the team before his neck injury landed him on Injured Reserve (IR).

The Steelers have a great crop of outside linebackers, but adding more depth and talent at the position has to give the team a sigh of relief on the outside chance Nick Herbig isn’t ready to return to the team yet, or, God forbid, Alex Highsmith or T.J. Watt are forced to miss some time.

Smith should be a good change up for the pass rush if Watt and/or Highsmith need a break, something the defense should be more willing and able to do after this trade. Just like Williams, Smith’s acquisition makes a lot of sense from a depth standpoint. Not earth-shattering, but a solid move without having to give up much at all.

Grade: B

What do you think of these trades? What grades would you give them? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Washington Commanders in Week 10.