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The Pittsburgh Steelers faithful want the team to do whatever it takes to acquire Patrick Peterson from the Arizona Cardinals. This is a nice thought, but ultimately would require a king’s ransom for the All-Pro cornerback’s services.
Nothing is out of the picture, but with the October 30th trade deadline quickly approaching, news is circulating of the Steelers showing interest in cornerbacks not with the last name of Peterson.
According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Steelers are one of a few teams who have shown interest in Oakland Raiders’ cornerback Gareon Conley, and New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
Teams sniffing around on Janoris Jenkins and Gareon Conley. The corner market is hot ahead of the deadline. PHI, NE, PIT among those exploring multiple options
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 23, 2018
Fans can debate the effectiveness of both Conley and Jenkins, and whether they would be an upgrade over the team’s current crop of backup cornerbacks featuring Artie Burns, Coty Sesnsabaugh and Cameron Sutton, but sometimes the statistics show more than what you think.
This from Pro Football Focus’ Pittsburgh Steelers account:
Gareon Conley has had his struggles this season (58.9 grade), but is just two years removed from a very strong final season at Ohio State.
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) October 24, 2018
He notched more interceptions/pass breakups (11) that 2016 season than receptions allowed (10). The passer rating when targeting him? 14.1 https://t.co/gAn9Tr41Bt
It likely all comes down to the price. Both the Raiders and Giants have the look of a team ready to start selling, and if the Steelers think either of these players is worth trading, it would have to be at the right price. If Peterson’s price tag is too high, these deals would have to be in the Steelers’ wheelhouse to get a trade complete.
The deadline is less than a week away, and what used to be a non-event across the NFL has turned into something to behold with teams wheeling and dealing to improve their team.
In my opinion, the ultimate question here is are the Steelers just a cornerback away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender? Or are they in need of much more than just a defensive back? Let us know what you think in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news, notes and rumors surrounding the Steelers.