Steelers Insider Proposes Ambitious Trade for Jer'Zhan Newton Before 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a competitive push in 2026, the final year of Aaron Rodgers' tenure, under new head coach Mike McCarthy, who has previously led teams to championship success. The franchise has been proactive in enhancing its roster, recently acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman and signing running back Rico Dowdle to bolster their offense. On the defensive side, they've welcomed defensive backs Jamel Dean, Darnell Savage, and Jaquan Brisker.

Despite these significant additions, a Steelers writer believes there is still an opportunity for a high-impact trade before the upcoming season. Alan Saunders from SteelersNow has suggested that the team should consider making a move for Jer'Zhan Newton of the Washington Commanders.

Once regarded as a premier defensive tackle prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, Newton's performance has not met expectations so far. He started just two games last season, and with the Commanders bolstering their defensive line this offseason, his playing time could be further diminished in 2026. Saunders noted, "The Commanders have significantly added to their defensive line this offseason, and Newton, who was projected as a first-round pick before falling to the Commanders in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, might be the odd one out for playing time."

Given that Newton has two years remaining on his contract, a trade to Pittsburgh could offer him the chance to learn from veteran Cam Heyward before stepping into a more prominent role. With 38 tackles, four tackles for loss, and five sacks in his limited appearances last season, the potential is there for Newton to develop into a key player for the Steelers.

While trading for Newton could be an intriguing option, questions remain about whether this move would significantly enhance the team's chances in 2026. The Steelers might still need to explore other avenues to strengthen their roster, particularly in the secondary. Recently, there has been speculation about a potential trade for star safety Budda Baker, which could provide a much-needed boost to the defense.