NFL Trade Deadline: The surprise would be if the Steelers made a move

Whether it's a lack of necessity or an internal mandate, don't expect the Steelers to swing any deals before the NFL trade deadline, which comes at 4 p.m. ET Thursday.

In a post-Trick-Or-Treat environment, it's highly unlikely the Steelers shake up their roster in any way, whether dealing a player or making a move to bring a new one into the fold.

If the Texans were willing to give up, say, J.J. Watt for a sixth round pick (MAYBE a fifth), it seems likely the Steelers would oblige. That would only be a wise decision.

Outside of temporary insanity on the Texans' part, there doesn't seem to be a reason the Steelers would want to make a realistic deal. Some teams view it as an opportunity to unload a contract that isn't working out, like Jacksonville and Mike Thomas. He was sent to Detroit for an undisclosed draft pick after falling out of favor with the Jaguars. Detroit lost wide receiver Nate Burleson for the season last week.

If a team gets hit particularly hard by injuries and can grab a guy for a later pick to help bolster their depth chart, it's understandable. Trades in the NFL, though, especially in the middle of the season, are going to be more reactive than proactive. Bringing a guy with whom a team is unfamiliar, doesn't know the playbook and may not have any experience with any of his new teammates for a chance to draft a player who could be all of those things for a full season seems like a substantial risk.

The Steelers don't have any particular holes in their team right now anyway - or at least none that demand immediate attention, and cannot wait until the 2013 NFL Draft.

It's not a bad problem to have.

The lack of action this year - a trading deadline moved from Week 6 to after Week 8 as well as a few days added on due to Hurricane Sandy shutting the league offices down for a few days - has garnered very little action to this point.

The deadline is approaching, and it's possible more deal will be made between now and then.

Just don't expect the Steelers to be a part of any of them.