Despite owning a 3-2 record heading into Week 7 of the 2023 regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t played close to their potential. They have been average to below average in most areas, as timely plays have given them a winning record to this point.

If the Steelers want to stay above the .500 mark and remain in the race for the AFC North division and a Wild Card spot, there is some work to be done. A lot of focus has been placed on the offense, and rightfully so, as offensive coordinator Matt Canada has come under fire for how he has run that unit.

Figuring things out on that side of the ball may take more than this season as fundamental issues exist. Defensively, the Steelers just need players performing up to their capabilities, specifically in the secondary.

Pittsburgh looks to have a rising star in Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback, who was the first pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His role should increase after the bye, as veterans Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan have disappointed thus far this season.

All three have PFF grades under 59.0 through five games, as the cornerback group could use some reinforcements. With less than two weeks until the trade deadline, time is running out for the Steelers to add players from outside of the organization.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, there are a few cornerbacks that they could look to target in a trade. The first would be a blockbuster deal acquiring Patrick Surtain II from the Denver Broncos. The Steelers did something similar in 2019 when they acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins.

Like Fitzpatrick, Surtain is a star in the making on a rookie deal. It certainly won’t be cheap, but he would be worth the price. Surtain would be an upgrade in the present and give Pittsburgh a long-term pairing with Porter to patrol the secondary for years to come.

Another name to keep an eye on is a familiar face, Steven Nelson of the Houston Texans. Nelson is having another strong season, ranking 11th out of 112 qualified cornerbacks at PFF. He knows the system in Pittsburgh and would slot in as their No. 1 guy, but given the success that the Texans are having this season, they may not want to part with him.

Last but not least, Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears. The Bears are in a tough spot as they are off to a 1-5 start and look primed for another top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But, the coaching staff and front office have to be under pressure to win some games, so they may not want to part ways with useful players such as Johnson.

If a firesale does occur, the Steelers need to give the Bears a call. Johnson would provide the team with another long-term option alongside Porter. But, the one caveat to acquiring him is that he is set to be a free agent in 2024. On top of whatever is sent to Chicago in a trade package, the Steelers will have to pay him a new contract as well. Given his track record, that shouldn’t be a problem.