According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a staggering six players who would fetch at least a first-round pick if they hit the trade block. Barnwell took a deep dive across the entire NFL, figuring out what every major player on every team might be worth, and this list for the Steelers is wild, especially since a few of these guys are still pretty young!
The Young Guns With Unexpected Value
Forget the household names for a second, because this list is all about the future. Barnwell highlighted Keeanu Benton, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, and Joey Porter Jr. as the six players with first-round trade value. How about that? Fautanu, for instance, exploded in his first full season as a "very good right tackle." Barnwell even said if Fautanu can hold up potentially moving to left tackle this year, his value would jump even higher. And Porter Jr. is the only one not on the line of scrimmage, with Barnwell noting, "Porter’s the one player off the line of scrimmage here, and I can see Steelers fans wanting more." It's clear the Steelers have been hammering the draft for line talent, and it's paying off big time. Herbig already locked down a four-year extension, and reports say they're eyeing extensions for Porter Jr. and Benton too. Fautanu and Frazier, both 2024 draft picks, are already "key pieces" on the offensive line heading into their third year, and Harmon, a standout rookie, is set to be a key contributor in his second season, especially if his pass-rushing skills develop further.The Stars Who Missed the Cut: Metcalf and Watt
What might surprise fans even more than the guys on the list is who *didn't* make it. DK Metcalf and TJ Watt, two of Pittsburgh's biggest names, were not considered first-round trade pieces. For Metcalf, Barnwell pointed to the Steelers giving up a second-round pick for him just a year ago, coupled with what was called a "disappointing season." That's apparently enough to limit his trade market. And for Watt? He’s on a contract north of $40 million a season, he’ll be 32 in October, and his production has dipped over the last few years. The Steelers are kind of unique in that they don't have that "multiple first-round pick" player, but they more than make up for it with a whole crew of valuable young talent who haven't even hit their prime yet. It’s wild to think about these guys potentially getting moved, especially since the Steelers aren't likely to let any of them go. But this whole breakdown from Barnwell just hammers home one thing for Pittsburgh: they’ve got a seriously solid young core cooking. We’re talking key positions across the board. If these guys keep developing, this Steelers team could be a real problem for the rest of the league. Can’t wait to see how they actually perform on the field this season and show that value!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.