Some teams talked about going all in, meanwhile others were expected to be more aggressive. These are three teams that should’ve pushed harder at the trade deadline.
3 NFL Teams Should Have Been More Aggressive at the NFL Trade Deadline
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the most notable team that should have pushed harder at the trade deadline. They sit first in the AFC North at 5-3. They have a real shot to win it. Fans expected an all-in year. The team brought in Jalen Ramsey, extended T.J. Watt, and signed Aaron Rodgers. Then they did nothing at the deadline.
The offense still needs a true number-two receiver. Many fans expected General Manager Omar Khan to acquire Jakobi Meyers or Rashid Shaheed, but that never happened. The secondary also needs help. Darius Slay is way past his prime, and Joey Porter Jr. takes too many pass interference penalties. That hurts in tight games.
The playoff win drought stands at eight years, and the fans are restless. The Steelers seem fine to keep draft picks for the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh. Maybe they want to keep the picks to trade up for a future quarterback. Maybe they want an elite receiver. That plan does not help this season. This roster can win now. The front office should have acted like it.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers sit at 6-3. They trail by one game in the division. They will most likely battle in the wild-card race all year. The roster has stars. But injuries keep stacking up. Replacing the impact of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner isn’t possible, but they could’ve tried to ease the blows. To make the situation worse, rookie standout Mykel Williams tore his ACL on Sunday and is out for the season. It seems every single year, the 49ers are piling up injuries.
A move for a veteran edge could have eased the strain. Bradley Chubb made real sense. He fits the front. He wins one-on-one, and he finishes plays. San Francisco still passed, as they did not want to spend picks on a short-term rental piece.
New England Patriots
The Patriots sit at 7-2, and quarterback Drake Maye is a legit MVP candidate. They have won six in a row and sit in first in the AFC East. Many think they are taking advantage of an easy schedule, but the team looks legit and well-coached. They also own the most cap space in the league. That is why their quiet deadline shocked people.
New England needed a pass rusher or a receiver. Jakobi Meyers fits both the need and the scheme. Other veteran targets sat there too. The front office kept the rebuild on track. They chose patience and have strong trust in the room with Mike Vrabel leading the team.
Drake Maye needs one more reliable target. The defense needs one more finisher. One smart deal could have lifted both units. The cap allows it. The record justifies it. New England still waited. If the offense or pass rush stalls in big spots down the stretch, this moment could take the blame.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers, 49ers, and Patriots are all teams that should’ve pushed harder at the trade deadline. Each club owns a real shot this season. Each club kept assets for later. That choice helps the future, but it risks the present. In a tight league, one move can swing a season. These three should have made that move.
Main Image: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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