3 NFL teams that should have been more aggressive at trade deadline

Several NFL teams entered the trade deadline with clear roster needs but failed to make the necessary upgrades. 

For playoff contenders with Super Bowl aspirations, those missed opportunities could prove costly down the stretch. Here are three teams that should have been more aggressive at the NFL trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to find themselves in a familiar position. They are competitive enough to contend for a playoff spot but have done little to establish themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game in nearly 10 years and still appears a step behind AFC contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite claiming to be all-in this season, the Steelers did nothing at the deadline to close that gap.

Wide receiver, cornerback and safety were three positions Pittsburgh could have addressed. DK Metcalf has struggled with drops, while Michael Pittman Jr. has been disappointing and is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Roman Wilson is also injured, leaving Aaron Rodgers without two of his top three receiving options. 

However, Pittsburgh's inactivity could indicate that the organization has one eye on the future. The Steelers still lack a long-term franchise quarterback and may prefer to preserve their draft capital.

With 18 picks over the next two drafts, Pittsburgh could package selections to move up next year if a quarterback catches its attention. Still, that raises questions about how committed the Steelers really are to winning now with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the deadline sitting second in the AFC North at 6-2, but their defense remains a question. Cincinnati reportedly had a deal in place to acquire Philadelphia Eagles edge-rusher Arnold Ebiketie before backing out over concerns surrounding compensatory draft picks.

Cincinnati has recorded 23 sacks this season, tied for 10th in the NFL. However, the Bengals still had an opportunity to strengthen their defensive line following Trey Hendrickson's departure. Adding another proven edge-rusher or linebacker would have provided valuable depth and given Cincinnati another defensive weapon heading into the second half of the season.

With an offense capable of competing against almost anyone, Cincinnati had an opportunity to strengthen its weaknesses. Instead, the Bengals will enter the second half relying largely on the same defensive personnel.

Los Angeles Rams

Few expected the Los Angeles Rams to be sitting at 5-4 and in the playoff hunt at this point in the season. 

The Rams' biggest concern is now their receiving corps. Davante Adams is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him sidelined until late in the season. Meanwhile, Los Angeles recently announced that Puka Nacua will likely be heading to injured reserve with multiple injuries, including an MCL/PCL sprain and turf toe.

Losing both receivers leaves Matthew Stafford without his two biggest offensive weapons. The Rams were linked to several receivers before the deadline, including Josh Downs, Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr. However, Los Angeles ultimately failed to acquire any of them, leaving the team without much-needed reinforcements at wide receiver.

One name worth monitoring is Brandon Aiyuk, who was recently reinstated by the NFL. Los Angeles could explore adding the former All-Pro receiver. For a team still fighting for a playoff spot, failing to address the receiving corps could be a major problem.