Mike Tomlin discusses team vs. player trade dynamics

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been active as the NFL trade deadline inches closer and Mike Tomlin is confident in the team’s decision-making in terms of personnel.

On Tuesday with just hours remaining before the 4PM ET deadline, the Steelers dealt All-Pro linebacker Melvin Ingram to the Kansas City Chiefs in a move that may have surprised some Steelers fans.

Shortly after the move was made, the Steelers’ front man spoke to the media and addressed the delicate process of balancing player vs. trade dynamics.

“What the team needs is first and foremost,” Tomlin said. “But from a team perspective also, it’s better to have volunteers as opposed to hostages.”

That’s a strong statement from the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach as his team looks to make a push in the AFC North in the second-half of the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers trade Melvin Ingram

It’s natural for high-profile trades to catch the eyes of fans and media, but Tuesday’s deal between the Chiefs and Steelers appears to benefit both parties.

The Kansas City Chiefs, at a disappointing 4-4 and ranked 29th in the NFL in total defense, made a move to bolster a group in need of serious help if they are going to make a move in the playoffs.

Ingram, 32, was in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after nine with the Chargers. He’s played on 62 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps this season, but with only one start and limited production (nine tackles, one sack). He’s recorded 18 pressures as a pass rusher, per Pro Football Focus.

Several credible NFL sources reported that Ingram had quietly requested a trade out of Pittsburgh after expressing frustration that he saw the field on just 26 percent of the Steelers’ snaps vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

The former South Carolina linebacker has been dealing with a groin injury recently and the team downgraded his status to out on Saturday afternoon.

The Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 15-10 without him and moved to 4-3 on the year.

With Ingram gone, the Steelers’ outside linebacker depth is thin, but it’s clear Tomlin and the defensive staff has trust in their core group of players. Derrek Tuszka, initially selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2020 draft, is the only other outside linebacker on the active roster behind starters TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith.

The Pittsburgh Steelers elevated practice squad pass-rusher Taco Charlton to the active roster for the game in Cleveland, an option that could add to the depth at the position going forward