The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered through a rough start to the 2023 NFL season, losing to the San Francisco 49ers by a final score of 30-7. It wasn’t the start that Mike Tomlin and company wanted, but there are rumblings that the Steelers could be open for business to improve their roster. Tennessee Titans’ superstar running back Derrick Henry has been linked as a potential target for the Steelers on the trade market before the deadline.
Over the last couple of years, Najee Harris has failed to show that he can be the star franchise running back that the Steelers were hoping he would be. He has been solid, but Pittsburgh would like more than solid in the backfield supporting young quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Bleacher Report recently linked the Steelers as a potential trade destination for Henry this season.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers could provide a sneaky-good home for Henry this season. Pittsburgh won nine games a year ago, has an improved roster on paper and should get a little more out of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett.”
All offseason long, rumors and rumblings out of Tennessee were that Henry could be traded. Obviously, they didn’t pull the trigger and no real reports surfaced about serious trade talks. That could change, especially with the Titans looking extremely rough against the New Orleans Saints to begin the year.
Mike Tomlin and company still believe that they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC. Starting off the season against the 49ers would have been difficult for any team in the NFL.
Last season with the Titans, Henry racked up 349 carries for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns. In Week 1, he wasn’t utilized as much as usual, gaining 63 yards on 15 carries.
If the Steelers were able to acquire Henry from the Titans, their offense would immediately take a huge leap forward. Pickett and the passing game have the potential to be special, but need to put everything together. Derrick Henry would take a ton of pressure off of the aerial attack and would continue producing the superstar numbers that he has recorded his entire career.
While this is not a report that the two teams are talking, it’s certainly something for Steelers’ fans to keep an eye on moving forward this season.
