Steelers hoping premier running back isn't traded to AFC North rival

The Pittsburgh Steelers got better on Tuesday by signing three players to contracts. The team was also able to keep defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and safety Damontae Kazee, while signing offensive lineman Nate Herbig as well. These three deals came after Patrick Peterson agreed to a two-year contract on Monday. 

The Cincinnati Bengals retained two of their own by re-signing linebacker Germaine Pratt and safety Michael Thomas. This came after losing both of their starting safeties, Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. The Bengals were quiet on Tuesday, but could they be preparing to make a big splash with a star running back that wants to be traded? 

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler requested a trade Monday morning after the two sides couldn’t make progress on a contract extension. The Chargers granted Ekeler permission to seek a trade Tuesday afternoon. He's in the final year of his contract, only owed $6.25 million next year. Ekeler is a premier back, excelling in the passing game both as a blocker and a receiving option. This could be dangerous for the Steelers if Joe Burrow and company get their hands on him.  

Cincinnati has been suggested as a potential suitor for Ekeler. With Joe Mixon on the roster, why would the Bengals trade for another top running back? If the Bengals prefer Ekeler over Mixon, they could trade for Ekeler and attempt to trade away Mixon. Mixon has been on the wrong side of the news over the last couple of weeks. While no charges have been filed, Cincinnati could choose to part ways with Mixon by cutting him and saving the $12.7 million cap.  

Cincinnati Loses Another Piece

The Bengals lost their backup running back to the Denver Broncos Tuesday afternoon. Samaje Perine received a two-year, $7.5 million deal to play in Denver. With one less running back on the roster, that could further their interest in pursuing Ekeler. Perine was great as a receiving back last season when he got the opportunity. In a game against Pittsburgh, he tallied four catches for 52 yards, three of which went for touchdowns. It's no secret that Burrow and the Bengals love targeting their running backs. Adding Ekeler with his elite receiving ability to the equation could be even more lethal.