Steelers insider suggests bold trade for Jer'Zhan Newton ahead of 2026 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly want to contend in 2026. It's the last year of Aaron Rodgers and new head coach Mike McCarthy has won at the highest level before. 

The team has been aggressive in improving the roster. They traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman, and signed running back Rico Dowdle to help the offense. On defense, the team added defensive backs Jamel Dean and Darnell Savage, and Jaquan Brisker. 

It's safe to say this is a solid roster, but one Steelers writer thinks there's a bold trade that can still be made before the 2026 season begins. 

Steelers urged to trade for Jer'Zhan Newton

Alan Saunders of SteelersNow recently came up with some moves the Steelers could still make to ensure they can contend in 2026. One of those moves was to trade for Jer'Zhan Newton of the Washington Commanders. 

Newton was one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he hasn't quite lived up to his billing just yet. Newton only received two starts last season, and the Commanders added more talent to their defensive line this offseason, so it's hard to see him starting in 2026 either. 

As a result, perhaps they'd be open to moving the talented defender. 

"The Commanders have significantly added to their defensive line this offseason, and Newton, who was projected as a first-round pick before following to the Commanders in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, might be the odd one out for playing time," Saunders explained. "With two more years on his contract, he could learn behind Cam Heyward for a year before stepping into a bigger role in Pittsburgh."

As Saunders mentioned, Newton seems likely to be the odd man out again, so why not see is he's available? I can't think of a better person for Newton learn from than Cam Heyward. Heyward doesn't have much longer in the league, so Newton would be assured of more playing time in the future. 

As mentioned above, Newton only started twice in 2025 but he still ended with 38 tackles, four tackles for loss, and five sacks. 

Will Steelers make a notable move before Week 1? 

Trading for Newton is definitely interesting, but I'm not sure it makes the Steelers any more likely to contend in 2026. Are there any other moves the team would consider that would actually help in 2026? 

It's still early, but it looks like the team could use more depth in the secondary. I recently mentioned a trade proposal involving star safety Budda Baker going to the Steelers, and THAT is the type of move that would really elevate the roster. 

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