Steelers Have Perfect First Round Trade Partner Emerging For 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan failed in the 2024 offseason when it came to adding a top-tier wide receiver to the roster. George Pickens was expected to be dynamic, but he didn't have a reliable partner-in-crime after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers. The front office had different plans in 2025, and agreed to a huge deal to land DK Metcalf, a former second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks. It left Pittsburgh with really just two major needs left to fill as the quarterback and defensive line rooms certainly need some tinkering. 

Giving up a second-round pick for Metcalf will be looked at as worth it if the receiver can continue to produce on the field. The Steelers agreed with the pass-catcher on a contract worth well over $100 million. That draft selection that was given up for Metcalf could prove to be costly, however, as the class on the defensive line is extremely deep. There could be serious value available in round two, but not round three.

Pittsburgh does not typically trade back in the first round, but there could be a very ideal partner to engage with once the big night rolls around. The NFC North is an extremely competitive division with the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers all making the postseason in 2024. All three of those franchises have picks in the 20s, which could give the Steelers some leverage.

According to Pro Football Focus' draft needs for each team, the Lions and Packers need wide receiver and edge rusher help. The Vikings and Packers also could use some help in the defensive secondary. This presents a unique opportunity for Detroit to jump ahead of both division rivals (after besting both to win the NFC North in 2024). To sweeten the pot, the Los Angeles Chargers also need a wideout and pick at 22. The Steelers could shop the 21st overall selection to the Lions easily.

It's easy to argue that the Lions don't need to draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, given the presence of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, with the 2025 season being the final year of Williams' contract and Tim Patrick not being the most formidable third option in the NFC, the team could look ahead. If the organization is thinking about the future, taking a wideout early is certainly on the table.

It would be huge for the Steelers to find a way back into the second round. The Metcalf acquisition will most likely be worth forfeiting the pick, but Khan has a way of putting together trades that seem to always benefit Pittsburgh. Moving back to the Lions' first-round pick at 28 is a big step backwards. Asking for the 60th overall selection and maybe tossing in late-round pick in exchange for 21 isn't unrealistic.

Detroit could have its pick of prospects before division rivals in the Vikings and Packers, while the Steelers would get a second-round pick back. It is likely that a top defensive lineman is available at 28, which is why it could make perfect sense for Khan to be on the phone with Lions General Manager Brad Holmes on the first day of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Steelers Could Seriously Benefit From Getting Second-Round Pick Back

It's unlikely that Pittsburgh would have drafted a receiver in round two that could produce like Metcalf has; at least, not right away. Before Metcalf even steps on the field for the organization, the trade seems to make sense. If Khan can somehow find a way to get a second-rounder back while still landing a top defensive lineman in the first round, the Lions may be the team to call. It's an easy sell to call Holmes and pitch the opportunity to ruin both the Vikings' and Packers' draft nights.

Do you think that the Steelers should trade back on the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!

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