Steelers May Need To Sacrifice 2026 NFL Draft Pick In Bold Move For Shedeur Sanders

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the few teams around the National Football League that isn't quite sure just yet who their starting quarterback for 2025 will be. After another first-round exit in the 2024 NFL Playoffs, the Steelers' front office got aggressive by pursing wide receiver DK Metcalf through a trade. While Pittsburgh had been in desperate need of an elite pass-catcher, their trade for Metcalf cost them a 2025 second-round pick, which could come back to haunt the Black and Gold on draft night. 

The Steelers currently hold the 21st pick in the first round of the upcoming draft. Not many teams outside of the top three picks are in need of a quarterback, and there's a strong chance Shedeur Sanders gets past all three of those teams. Along with Pittsburgh, the New Orleans Saints may look to draft a quarterback after discovering Derek Carr's current health status. 

New Orleans has the ninth overall pick, and they are sticking out as the franchise that could most likely snag Sanders if he falls in the first round. There's clear and mutual interest between Sanders and the Steelers, but not having a second-round pick due to the trade for Metcalf will hurt them if they attempt to trade up ahead of the Saints. On Wednesday morning, Dan Graziano shared this and explained the dilemma Pittsburgh could run into while looking to trade up for a guy like Sanders.

"I do think the Steelers would consider [trading up in the first round] if they have a guy that they really love," Graziano started. "The problem the Steelers have is they don't have as much ammunition. They don't have as much in terms of other picks because they traded their second-rounder already for DK Metcalf."

Graziano continues by sharing his belief that if the Steelers were to trade up for Sanders with New Orleans, it might cost Pittsburgh their 2026 first-rounder as well. 

"So it's a little tougher for them to make a move up unless you're talking about like, how far up do you have to go? Are you trying to jump the Saints and get to eight because you're afraid they're going to take your guy? That might cost you next year's first round pick too," Graziano shared.

The Steelers could trade away their 2026 first-round pick or exchange picks with a team like the Saints, but they would have to decide if that would even be worth it, considering the 2026 quarterback class is expected to be far better than this year's. Their decision to do so would also come a lot easier if Aaron Rodgers made a commitment for 2025 before the draft. 

Ahead of the Saints are the Carolina Panthers, who hold the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Panthers have expressed interest in moving back in the draft, which could make things even spicier between the Steelers and Saints. If the Panthers have any desire to mess up their division rival's plans, then a deal sending the eighth pick to the Steel City would get the job done. 

Steelers Must Plan To Be Without Aaron Rodgers For 2025

Nearly more than four weeks ago, the NFL free agency period began. The Steelers lost their entire quarterback room from 2024, and have only been able to add Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson so far. Rodgers has shown no urgency in his decision for the upcoming season, but the Steelers have to get moving with their plans. Like many players within the building have publicly stated, there should be no reason to take this long on deciding if he wants to be a member of the Steelers' organization or not. The long wait with Rodgers can't possibly have anyone happy in the Steelers' building, and it could be why the team decided to meet with Sanders.

What do you think about the Steelers' situation regarding the quarterback position and what they should do in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below.

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