The Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting at 6-2 and tied atop the AFC North, could explore adding defensive depth before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
The team just completed its bye week and next faces the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. While much of the outside attention has centered on possible wide receiver additions, the secondary remains a position where depth could prove useful over the final stretch of the season.
Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic specifically pointed to New York Jets safety Andre Cisco as a potential low-cost option. Cisco has seen his role reduced in New York this season after early playing time.
“Benched after Week 3, Cisco would be a low-cost addition who has experience playing in the post. He intercepted eight passes with the Jaguars from 2022 to 2024. A move like this would be more for depth than anything else,” DeFabo wrote.
Cisco, a former third-round pick by Jacksonville in 2021, is in his second year with the Jets. He has recorded 23 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble through the early portion of the 2026 campaign, according to league statistics.
Because he is a pending free agent and has already been pushed down the depth chart, any trade price would likely stay modest. Reports indicate a deal could be completed for a late Day 3 selection.
Pittsburgh has not indicated it must address the secondary, but additional options could help a defense that has performed well overall while still navigating a competitive division race.
Longtime Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted Sunday that the organization appears focused on value rather than splashy moves.
“The Steelers are not looking to overspend to acquire a player and instead are interested in building their depth for the remaining nine games,” Dulac wrote. “While it is not known which position they want to address, the likely targets could be in the secondary — either cornerback or safety. Wide receiver is another option, although it is likely it will not be what the fan base and social media have in mind.”
The Steelers enter the deadline week with a solid record and a favorable remaining schedule that includes several high-profile matchups. Adding experienced depth without significant draft capital aligns with the approach Dulac described.
Cisco’s prior ball production in Jacksonville gives him a track record in the post, even if his recent snaps have been limited. Teams seeking secondary help at minimal cost have occasionally targeted similar veterans near the deadline.
Whether Pittsburgh pursues Cisco or another option remains unclear. The club has until Tuesday afternoon to complete any deals.
General manager Omar Khan has shown a willingness to make calculated additions in past deadlines when the price fits. This year, the emphasis appears to rest on reinforcing the roster for a potential playoff push without disrupting the current core.
The Bengals game will provide an immediate test after the bye. Any deadline acquisition would need to be ready for quick integration into the defensive scheme.
Cisco’s combination of experience and current reduced role makes him a name that fits the low-cost profile being discussed around the league. Other safeties and cornerbacks remain available as well, keeping multiple paths open for Pittsburgh.
With nine games left after the deadline, the Steelers appear positioned to weigh short-term depth against longer-term draft assets. The next 24 hours will clarify which direction they choose.
