Rare Trade Proposal Lands Steelers Ex-1st Round CB Daxton Hill

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SI.com’s All Steelers’ Noah Strackbein proposed Mike Tomlin and Zac Taylor work out a trade to send former first-round pick Daxton Hill to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pundits have connected the Pittsburgh Steelers to numerous wide receivers potentially available in the NFL trade market this offseason. But on April 17, SI.com’s All Steelers’ Noah Strackbein proposed the Steelers pursue an unusual avenue for a cornerback trade.

Strackbein argued the Steelers should consider trading for Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill.

“The Steelers need a slot cornerback. Hill provides that with plenty of upside and likely wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg due to his decreased role in Cincinnati,” wrote Strackbein. “If he’s looking for an opportunity and the Bengals are looking for cost before realizing they don’t have a place for him, why wouldn’t a trade work?”

The Bengals drafted Hill at No. 31 overall in the 2022 NFL draft. The Steelers acquiring Hill would be unusual because trades between two division rivals aren’t common in the NFL.

But Strackbein pointed out that the Steelers have conducted trades within the AFC North previously. Strackbein proposed Pittsburgh offering a mid-to-late round selection for the 23-year-old.

“With two years left on his rookie deal and the potential of a fifth-year option, Hill is worth a move for a Day 2 or lower pick,” wrote Strackbein. “And if the Steelers feel Cincinnati would even consider it, they should – and could – make a call.”

In 2023, Hill recorded 11 pass defenses and 2 interceptions in 17 games. He also had 110 combined tackles, including 6 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.

Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including Fansided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb