When it comes to the safety position, the Pittsburgh Steelers still haven't found a genuine solution since trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey provides important versatility at both safety and cornerback, but the Steelers could use a starting-caliber defender at the position. Luckily, there are quite a few options the team could explore before the November 10 NFL trade deadline.
Here's a look at three safety trade targets the Steelers should be interested in at the deadline, including an Arizona Cardinals All-Pro defender.
Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons
It would be an incredible pickup if the Steelers were able to land Pola-Mao, the nephew of Steelers legend Troy Polamalu. Pola-Mao proved he's a starting-caliber safety in the NFL last season, starting all 17 games for Vegas and recording 92 tackles, four passes defended, and two interceptions. He shouldn't cost the Steelers much trade capital and is only carrying a cap hit of around $4 to $5 million, making the move even more realistic for Pittsburgh.
Potential cost: Day 3 pick
Isaiah Pola-Mao, Las Vegas Raiders
It would be an incredible pickup if the Steelers were able to land Pola-Mao, nephew of Steelers legend Troy Polamalu. Pola-Mao proved he's a starting caliber safety in the NFL last season, starting all 17 games for Vegas, recording 92 tackles, four passes defended, and two interceptions. He shouldn't cost the Steelers much trade capital and is only carrying a cap hit of around $4 to 5 million, making the move even more realistic for Pittsburgh.
Potential cost: Mid-to-late Day 3 pick
Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals
Baker has been heavily tied to trade rumors over the past few years but has somehow remained with the Cardinals. Could this be the season he finally gets traded to a playoff hopeful? If so, the Steelers are an excellent fit. Pittsburgh's safety room could use a talented veteran of Baker's caliber, given his elite tackling ability and versatility to play deep, near the line of scrimmage, against the run, and even on blitz calls. A two-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Second-Team All-Pro, and eight-time Pro Bowler, Baker may be the most expensive option on this list, but given that he is 30 years old, the Steelers may only need to give up a mid-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick.
Potential cost: Day 2 to early-Day 3 pick
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 3 safety trades the Steelers could make at NFL deadline