NFL: The best trade in each franchise’s history

Best trade in the Pittsburgh Steelers history: Acquiring Troy Polamalu

The Pittsburgh Steelers knew exactly who they wanted. They also knew unless they made a move, they weren’t going to be able to land him. With USC’s Troy Polamalu sitting in the greenroom after 15 picks went off the board in the 2003 draft, they made their move.

The Steelers handed over their own first-round pick which was the 27th overall, along with their third and sixth-round selections to the Kansas City Chiefs without hesitation.

The Chiefs believed they were getting a steal. They turned the 27th pick into Larry Johnson. With their third-round pick, they took Julian Battle and lastly, they grabbed Brooks Bollinger. Both Bollinger and Battle flamed out quickly but Johnson had several productive years including two Pro Bowls selections and in 2006, he made the All-Pro team. But while his career was pretty good, Polamalu went on to have an iconic one.

The safety position for the Steelers was set in stone for the next dozen years. He was an eight-time pro bowler, the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, made four first-team All-Pro and in 2020, he was given the Hall of Fame Nod during his first year of eligibility.

There is little to no doubt that the Steelers would be short two Super Bowl rings if it weren’t for his consistent outstanding play. Polamalu was a ball hawk who could pick you off or lay you out. To think of Polamalu in another uniform would be absurd. While there were plenty of candidates for the best trade in Steelers history, none can hold a candle to Troy Polamalu.