Steelers tried trading for Fletcher Cox

The Pittsburgh Steelers were eyeing to potentially trade for superstar defensive tackle Fletcher Cox ahead of the deadline this week. 

This really would have been something. With the NFL trade deadline being earlier this week, countless teams were trying to put together some sweet deals to try and improve their roster. The Steelers nearly pulled off a blockbuster.

According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the Steelers had reached out to the Philadelphia Eagles about a trade for standout defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. While Pittsburgh was hoping to get things done, Philadelphia was asking for too much here.

The Eagles wanted at least a third-round pick for Fletcher Cox

Per La Canfora, Pittsburgh wanted at least a third-round pick in exchange for Cox. The Steelers front office decided that was a bit to steep of an asking price, so the conversations never reached a next level.

Pittsburgh was looking to make a move to help the defensive front, as it’s really up in the air when defensive end Stephon Tuitt will be able to suit up this season. While Pittsburgh is optimistic he’ll return this fall, Tuitt’s knee injury clearly isn’t back to 100 percent.

For Cox, he’s spent his entire brilliant career playing for the Eagles. He’s in his 10th year with the squad and there’s no question whatsoever that he’s a fan favorite. It’s been a bit of a down year for Cox, though, as he only has one sack in eight games.

With that said, he’s still got what it takes to make a major impact in the trenches and he really could have been a great addition for Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for Steelers fans, things weren’t able to get done in this case. Now, Cox will look to keep making more head-turning plays for Philly.