July 8, 2024

USATSI 22167435If there was one lesson the Pittsburgh Steelers learned from the previous two seasons, it was that they can’t add enough helpful depth to their defensive line. T.J. Watt is one of the most disruptive pass rushers when healthy, but his injuries have caused the Steelers heartaches for the 2022 season and 2023 postseason.

The Pittsburgh Steelers could add depth to pair with T.J. Watt

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Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) defends during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Ballentine with Bleacher Report has a trade proposal that would help the Steelers navigate a potential injury setback in the upcoming season. Ballentine thinks the Steelers could complete a trade for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka:

The Joe Tryon-Shoyinka breakout season has been an unfulfilled dream for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for three seasons now. After declining his fifth-year option, it seems as unlikely as ever.

The Bucs spent the 32nd overall selection on Tryon-Shoyinka back in 2021. He’s made 34 starts and played in every regular-season game since then, but his production has been underwhelming.USATSI 22167435

There’s more to the position than sacks, but he has only 13 across three seasons. His pressure rate has actually been better than you’d think, but it took a dip in 2023. After posting a 13.2 pressure percentage as a rookie, he was down to just 9.1 last season.

That would explain why he ceded snaps to YaYa Diaby, who put up 7.5 sacks in his rookie year.

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