Unable to trade for defensive depth, Steelers turn to the waiver wire

As the clock struck on the NFL trade deadline, there were plenty of winners and losers. While some teams were looking to make massive moves, the Pittsburgh Steelers were doing more casual shopping. They were looking for a backup that never seemed to be there for the taking.

Instead, the Steelers turned to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad for an able body. They signed DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes. The Western Kentucky product is 6'5", 326 pounds, and he will be expected to help stop the run. 

Martin Rhodes has some NFL experience, but has mostly been a practice player for KC. Before that, he was with the Lions, where he played a total of three games.

Steelers searched for trade deadline deal

Steelers reporter Gary Dulac posted on X that the team's priority was to trade for a more proven player, but the market wasn't there.

"Steelers looked to make a trade for a backup veteran DT to replace Daniel Ekuale, but that didn’t work out, so they signed DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes to the active roster off the KC practice squad," Dulac wrote. "To make room, they waived OLB/DE DeMarvin Leal, a former third-round pick."

Starting nose tackle Ekuale suffered a torn ACL during the Steelers' 35-25 loss to the Packers in Week 8. He's been placed on the injured reserve list for the remainder of the season.