Potential tradeable assets

It obviously takes two to tango and since teams have been trading around this time of the year instead of waiting for players to get cut, here's some names I think could end up on another roster via trade:

Cole Holcomb: yeah he's apparently returning to form and I don't think the Steelers want to cut him, i can see a team needing an off ball LB willing to make a trade for him. I doubt the Steelers trade him unless someone offers a trade they can't refuse. But they can afford to make a move with Harrison filling the void he would leave.

Skylar Thompson/Mason Rudolph: teams like the Saints or Titans could use a QB depth, but with Winston and Pickett likely on the block I'm doubtful either are traded, just tossing it out there.

Loudermilk and Leal: teams could always use DL depth and the Steelers are a solid 5 deep in the rotation, and there's just no room for Leal.

Beanie, teams could always use experienced depth and he seems to be an odd DB out.

Perhaps none get traded. But will be an interesting week leading up to cut down day.

 

Of the trade candidates Pittsburgh has, Leal and maybe Rudolph have some value. Everyone else doesn't. Regarding Rudolph, it is likely that the team will place Will Howard on IR; effectively redshirting him for his Rookie Season; though that would have been the plan anyways.


Leal may offer something to another team but not much. A 7th rounder maybe?!

 

Leal and a 7th for a 6th would be my guess.

Thing about Malik Harrison and Mark Robinson is that they both offer their services as special teams players potentially leaving Holcomb as an odd player out despite his strong camp and preseason action.

 

One of the punters will be traded. I would hate to see Holcomb traded,but the lb room is crowded. Don’t think Leal would garner anything of value. Had hopes for him,but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in the past and hasn’t shown anything this year. Loudermilk is on the bubble imo.

 

Punter for a 7th maybe

But otherwise nada

 

if Howard goes on the IR before the 53-man roster is set, he cannot practice with the team and is out for the season. My guess he is on the initial roster, even then, he stays active. Thompson or Woodside is signed to the practice squad, and elevated each week from the practice squad as 3rd QB until Howard is ready.

 

Howard isn’t going on ir over a broken pinky. Rudolph isn’t getting traded either

 

Thompson and Waitman for some late round picks, I would keep Holcomb he took a pay cut to stick with the team this season.

 

It'll be fun, we got Day 3 returns for Dotson and Kendrick Green, so I think anything is possible.

 

The question was asked which assets could be traded. Not so much about potential scenarios. I only outlined Will Howard specifically as he isn't likely to play this coming Thursday.


Given how he is a rookie, one in which the Steelers are very high on, placing him on the Practice Squad is begging him to be scooped up. Placing him on IR would be the best move; trading Skylar Thompson even not being outside of the question.


I also listed Mason as he has better trade value in comparison to Skylar.

 

And I was just telling you how Howard would have to be handled if the team wanted him to be available at some point in the 2025 season.

 

Whos to say Howard will not be put on IR?! What other alternative is there at present?! Pittsburgh isnt risking Howard on the PS.

 

Agree, completely lost on the Rudolph talk unless the Steelers are bringing in QB that is not currently on the roster to replace Rudolph.

Aaron Rodgers is 42 and would they really feel comfortable with a healthy Skylar Thompson, or an injured Will Howard behind him?

 

I could easily see Will Howard getting cut and then signed to the Practice Squad if Skyler Thompson can really show his stuff in the final game.

Will Howard is an injured 6th round pick that every team in the NFL passed on 6 times before the Steelers drafted him. I don't see that many teams beating their way to his door to offer him a spot on their 53-man roster if the Steelers decide to try and put him on their Practice Squad.

Post 2025 Draft: I do believe that the Steelers refusing to give up any of their 2026 draft picks speaks volumes about how much they believe in the future of Will Howard.

 

Yea. The idea that the team is very high on Howard seems only in the minds of Buckeye fans. The media reported during TC that there is a noticeable dropoff in arm during Howard's camp practices. Windows in the NFL are so tight that sometimes it takes fastballs to complete a catch (or avoid an INT).

 

Will Howard’s success at OSU is partly due to the talent at OSU. He was terrible against Michigan, but made some good throws during college play offs..People compare him to Ben, but Ben had an accurate strong arm. Will Howard has a below average nfl arm, otherwise he would have been drafted higher. Arm strength is peculiar as people with goofy body like Jeff George have it and stronger looking guys may not have it.

 

I believe someone previously said if cut he would have to go through waivers and another team could claim him and put him on their practice squad not the 53

 

IR is the best call for Howard.

Rudolph does have some trade value, but that is very risky, with Rodgers and our suck OL situation.

Leal maybe - yes.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

 

IR......that would be the best for him.

the meeting can happen any day, Coach MikeyT can message that to him.

 

Jon Gruden spoke highly of him.

I will rely on that .........for a while

 

That is why I told you Howard would have to be on the initial 53-man roster before going to the IR. If he goes on the IR first, Howard will be out for the season, will not be able to practice with the team, even after his finger heals. A player must be on the original 53, before going on the IR to be tagged IR-eligible to return.

 

They will keep Howard on the roster. The 28yr old camp body will be cut, placed on The practice squad, or traded for duct tape for the lockerroom

 

wait bench

 

maybe the trade for some duct tape has already happened.

https://steelersdepot.com/2025/08/after-years-of-poor-grades-steelers-make-locker-room-upgrades/

 

The idea of Trading really hasn't been much of a thought for me, other than to improve the roster.
Washington has a RB wouldn't mind swapping for... The WR is probably off the board although they are getting great production from younger ones.

But trading for additional draft picks would be the implied objective I think.
All I really see is the QB room.
Most teams are taking 2 into the season but I would imagine 3 would be Pittsburgh's choice.
Rogers is a lock.
But between Skylar and Mason, I think I am leaning more towards Skylar (I like his upside)... Mason might get me a 7th round
I'm keeping Howard, I don't know where the negative reports came from? They like him.
I don't think anyone has grand delusions of him being Rogers II.

I don't know about trading Colt. If I have more capable and speedier LB's maybe.
But Colt is a seasoned vet who is a sure tackler and reads offense pretty well.
He's also at that time in his career where game sense is peaking...

I think if there's anybody I know I won't carry into the 53 and they have done well, maybe cast a line out there? You never know.