Steelers send draft pick to the Ravens for DL Chris Wormley

The news is coming fast and furious for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base on Friday afternoon. Just minutes after the report of the team signing TE Eric Ebron to a two-year contract, the team is also reportedly sending a pair of draft picks to their fiercest rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in return for defensive lineman Chris Wormley.

This per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network:

According to Pellissero, the Steelers are trading a 2021 fifth round draft pick, to the Ravens for the defensive lineman and a 2021 seventh round pick.

Wormley is a player who will add to the depth along the defensive line, especially after losing Javon Hargrave in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles, but you have to wonder what this move means for someone like Isaiah Buggs, or even Daniel McCullers.

The Steelers defensive front is one of the best in the game for a 3-4 unit, and Wormley’s familiarity in that area will help also provide better depth behind Stephon Tuitt and Cam Heyward, in case either is injured throughout the season.

Wormley was a third-round draft pick for the Ravens in 2017 out of Michigan. Only appearing in seven games as a rookie, Wormley has played in every game over the last two seasons. In 2019 Wormley has 1.5 sacks with 33 tackles as he played 46% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps.

This trade will not impact the Steelers’ overall compensatory pick equation, unlike signing a free agenty, since it is a trade, and the Steelers are quickly tying up the loose ends which remain on their roster heading into 2020.

It is rare to see an inter-division trade like this, but the Steelers hardly gave up a lot of capital to obtain Wormley. You also have to wonder what the Ravens think of Wormley’s talent if they were to let him walk for nothing but a 5th round selection.

Either way, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft in April.