The Pittsburgh Steelers could enhance their defense for a Super Bowl run in 2024 by upgrading their secondary. However, edge rushing has long been the team’s strength. On May 24, Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report suggested that the Steelers could add depth and potential at edge rusher by acquiring former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
Ballentine proposed that the Steelers trade a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Tryon-Shoyinka and a 2025 seventh-round pick. He noted that Tryon-Shoyinka’s early performance indicates the untapped potential that might not be fully realized in Todd Bowles’ defense.
“T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith handle the primary edge rushing duties, with Nick Herbig taking some snaps, but the Steelers lack a replacement for Markus Golden from last season,” Ballentine wrote. “Tryon-Shoyinka could learn from a coaching staff that developed Highsmith into a productive starter alongside Watt.”
Drafted 32nd overall by the Buccaneers in 2021, Tryon-Shoyinka has underperformed over three seasons with Tampa Bay, tallying 13 sacks, 114 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 31 quarterback hits, 6 pass defenses, and 1 forced fumble in 51 games. His playing time decreased from his second to third season, and the Buccaneers declined his fifth-year option on May 1.
While the Steelers don’t need a starting edge rusher, they lack the depth left by Golden’s departure. Tryon-Shoyinka could develop behind Watt and Highsmith without the pressure of being a primary player, potentially providing depth for the 2024 season. If he exceeds expectations, he could be re-signed next spring. With 8 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2019 at Washington, Tryon-Shoyinka might realize his potential in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers may also target wide receivers and cornerbacks, with rumors suggesting a potential trade of running back Najee Harris. Receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, and Treylon Burks are possible trade targets, with Sutton and Burks being more likely due to their teams’ lower expectations for 2024. The Steelers might preserve their 2025 draft capital for a wide receiver trade but could still pursue Tryon-Shoyinka if those plans don’t materialize.
