Media by Associated Press – FILE – Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up on the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The Panthers have traded up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the draft from the Chicago Bears in exchange for Carolina’s No. 9 and No. 61 overall picks in 2023, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wide receiver D.J. Moore, two people familiar with the deal said Friday, March 10, 2023, The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. The move allows the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback, although it remains unclear which player the team prefers. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning, File)
Unlike certain players, NFL General Managers can’t afford to go and sit in the dark this time of year. When it comes to the free agency window and the draft, teams have the opportunity to make their teams better. But holding draft picks may not be enough to get their man.
Here’s a look at teams that may be better off trading up to try and add some talent in this year’s draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers took a hit to their secondary in free agency when Cam Sutton left for Detroit. While Pittsburgh brought in veteran quarterback Patrick Peterson, the Steelers will still need to find more help in the secondary.
When it comes to defensive backs and offensive lineman, both positions of need for Pittsburgh, it is difficult to find top talent in the back half of the first round.
The Steelers have their eye on Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who may not fall to Pittsburgh if it doesn’t trade up. Porter has a deep connection in Pittsburgh.
His dad was part of the Super Bowl XL championship team and later was an assistant coach under Mike Tomlin. Porter Jr. is friends with Tomlin’s kids and also was an excellent college player who would fit a need for the Steelers.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have the No. 4 choice but may want to try and grab the top spot if Chicago is selling. Indianapolis has been in the wilderness at quarterback since Andrew Luck suddenly retired a few seasons ago.
The Colts tried to go the veteran route, much like the formula the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers used, but Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers failed to bring home a Super Bowl.
The Colts still have a lot of solid pieces in place from a team that nearly made the playoffs two seasons ago. Indianapolis was a mess last season. The Colts will want to find someone who can help the team under center right away.
With a new coaching staff in place, Indianapolis will be happy to get a fresh start and have the coaching staff and young quarterback build the offense together.
Carolina Panthers
The word is that Carolina is trying to trade into the top spot to make sure that it has a chance to grab one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft.
Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis are the quarterbacks that people have pegged at the top of the draft. With Chicago, which holds the top pick, already having Justin Fields on the roster, the Bears are likely willing to make a deal.
The Panthers tried to get through last season with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Ultimately, that didn’t work for Carolina. With an owner antsy to win now, the Panthers may be willing to take a risk and pull the trigger on a deal.
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