The Pittsburgh Steelers are in one of the more interesting positions of any team as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. While many expect either Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph to be the team's starter once the regular season rolls around, neither would be considered a long-term solution. That has led to plenty of due diligence on the parts of General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. With the defensive line and running back positions being so important as well, the fan base is a little bit unsure of what the front office and decision-makers will do come the first round.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
A lot of the pieces to the draft are tactical, especially when a team is looking to confuse other organizations as to what it plans to do. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently stated that it is currently "lying season" and that the Steelers could want certain franchises to believe that they are interested in a signal-caller with the 21st overall pick.
NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah released an episode of his Move The Sticks podcast on Wednesday and threw out an interesting little tidbit about the quarterback position with the big weekend inching closer.
"Everybody that I've talked to - and kind of looking at the situation - I would feel comfortable saying this. I believe that Cam Ward, at this point in time, is the only quarterback who will be a team's first pick in the draft, if that makes sense," Jeremiah said.
Jeremiah continued by going into a little more detail, suggesting that there will be teams that attempt to get back into round one in order to grab a second selection within the first 32 picks.
"In other words, I think Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, I think will be a team's second pick. Now, that doesn't mean they don't go in the first round... Teams could come back up and take them."
This provides a potentially golden opportunity for Khan and the Steelers. One team in particular is in desperation mode. A certain head coach and general manager with the New York Giants are fighting for their jobs in 2025 and the franchise has been doing a ton of homework on the quarterback class. With plenty of defensive linemen and running backs in this class, Pittsburgh could certainly be doing exactly what Fittipaldo suggested, and baiting a team like the Giants.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
It's hard to envision what a trade up from 34 to 21 would look like for New York, but it wouldn't be cheap. However, with decision-makers such as Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen on hot seats, it's a risk the duo may be willing to make if there is a signal-caller who they believe could change the franchise. Despite having Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston under contract, the move may be necessary for the future in the Big Apple.
This is where Khan and the Steelers could come in. It would be a big move back, but if Pittsburgh were to land a Giants' first- or second-round pick in 2026 and one of New York's two third-round picks in 2025, it may be worth it. The heavy interest in the most important position in all of sports could simply be a smokescreen because of how much intrigue some of these quarterbacks are currently getting.
The New Orleans Saints could be another team to keep an eye on, but with the 40th overall selection, asking the Steelers to trade back 19 spots would cost a fortune, which may not be realistic. Khan could be targeting the Giants specifically, especially after all of the reports that have been surrounding the NFC organization in regards to a signal-caller.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stares off into the distance as he stands on the field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers May Have The Opportunity To Move Back If Desired
Teams only trade up if a prospect they have fallen in love with is on the board longer than they expected. No one really knows what will happen with this quarterback class come the first round, but Pittsburgh could simply have been dangling a carrot for the Giants this entire time. It's a steep move back, but based on what Jeremiah said and the rumors flying, Khan have have a legitimate shot as swindling Schoen and the Giants.
Do you think the Steelers would trade out of the first round completely? Let us know in the comments below!
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