The 2024 trade deadline has come and gone, delivering some amazing pickups for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are five reasons for optimism about the team's trade deadline acquisitions and what they mean for their 2024 aspirations.

Russ will cook with newly acquired WR Mike Williams:

If fans thought QB Russell Wilson, AKA Mr. Unlimited, was cooking before, wait until he has access to George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Mike Williams on the field at the same time.

Newly acquired Preston Smith will thrive in Steelers' 3-4 scheme:

Preston Smith requested a trade from Green Bay specifically for 4-3 scheme issues, and Smith has thrived previously under a similar 3-4 defensive scheme that Pittsburgh runs.

George Pickens will get more single-coverage opportunities:

Good luck to opposing secondaries hoping to apply double coverage to George Pickens. The deep threat of Calvin Austin III, and the physicality of the newly acquired Mike Williams present opportunities for Pickens to thrive in single-coverage matchups.

Edge rusher depth is primed for deep-playoff run:

Previously an area of concern, the team now has four quality edge rushers in T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and the recently acquired Preston Smith. If any edge rusher goes down with injury, expect the team's overall success to continue.

Steelers didn't mortgage their long-term future:

While the Steelers' premium Day 1 and 2 draft picks, QB Russell Wilson, and QB Justin Fields were all discussed as potential compensation packages, GM Omar Khan managed to send only a 2025 fifth-round and a seventh-round draft pick to acquire great talent for the team.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 reasons for optimism after Steelers' trade deadline acquisitions