The NFL trade rumors are swirling, and this time, it's the Pittsburgh Steelers who are at the center of the storm. Gerry Dulac, a renowned sports journalist, has dropped a cryptic hint that could shake up the team's lineup. In his weekly chat, Dulac suggested that the Steelers might trade one of their starting outside linebackers, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
The Hint That Started It All
Dulac's comments were in response to a question about a potential trade involving Nick Herbig. He hinted that the trade would likely involve someone ahead of Herbig on the depth chart. This immediately sparked speculation about T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the team's current starting outside linebackers.
The Case for Trading Highsmith
Highsmith has been the subject of online trade rumors, and with good reason. Trading him would open up a starting spot for Herbig, who has shown potential. However, there's been no concrete reporting to back up these rumors, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.
Watt's Uncertain Future
Coming off a disappointing season marred by a lung injury, Watt's future with the Steelers is up in the air. Dulac suggested in December that Watt or fellow defensive lineman Cam Heyward could be traded during the offseason. He emphasized the potential for a high draft pick in return, but also acknowledged the risk of depreciating value.
The Value of Watt
Dulac's recent comments highlight the changing perception of Watt's value. With age and a big contract, Watt may no longer command a first-round pick. This could make a trade less likely, especially for a Day 2 selection. However, Dulac's hints suggest that the Steelers might be open to exploring their options.
The Bigger Picture
While Dulac's comments are intriguing, it's important to note that they are just that - comments. There's no concrete evidence that a trade is imminent. However, Dulac's reputation for dropping insightful nuggets makes his words worth considering. If any big name is on the move this offseason, it's likely to be one of the starting outside linebackers, not Herbig.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers' potential trade of a starting outside linebacker is an intriguing development. It highlights the team's willingness to explore all options to improve their roster. While the specifics are unclear, Dulac's hints provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of an NFL franchise. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if these rumors materialize or remain just that - rumors.
