Steelers Lining Up A Big-Time Trade But Shedeur Sanders Absolutely Disrupts Everything

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft plans have been a bit disrupted as news has started to circulate that a top prospect may be falling down the board. Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered the draft with widespread expectations that he’d be a top-five selection. However with growing uncertainty surrounding his draft stock, some insiders believe Sanders could slide, and if he's still available when the Steelers are on the clock at 21st overall, things could get very interesting.

According to Steelers insider Brooke Pryor, Pittsburgh’s draft strategy may be shifting in real time. On Monday morning, Pryor reacted to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who suggested that the Steelers’ front office has already explored the possibility of trading back in the first round. However, that plan may be thrown into chaos if Sanders begins to unexpectedly slip through the early picks.

Schefter’s article highlights a dramatic potential pivot in Pittsburgh’s approach. While the Steelers have other needs and also are eager to get back into the second round, the idea of landing a top talent like Sanders without needing to trade up could be too tempting to ignore. If the former Buffaloes star is still on the board at 21, the Steelers may be forced to abandon their trade-back plans—and instead, take a serious swing at their quarterback of the future.

"There has been speculation about whether Pittsburgh would trade up to secure a quarterback, and remember, it already has traded its second-round pick to Seattle for wide receiver DK Metcalf, leaving the franchise short-handed heading into the draft's early rounds," Schefter said. "This makes it more likely the Steelers will trade back in the draft, not up. It also might make their choice at No. 21 even more critical. If they pass on a quarterback, they very well might not have another chance to get one until Round 3. It accentuates the pressure on this pick."

The 2025 NFL Draft is considered strong at the top, but many pundits believe the talent drops off significantly as the first round progresses. 

With no second-round pick, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is reportedly looking for ways to recoup that lost draft capital. However, Sanders’ unexpected slide could change everything.

"On the other side of things, the Steelers (No. 21) are among the teams interested in moving back from their first-round slot," Schefter said. "That list also includes the Jaguars (5), Panthers (8), 49ers (11), Falcons (15), Seahawks (18), Buccaneers (19) and Vikings (24), who currently have four picks, the fewest any team."

If Sanders continues to fall, it may force Khan to rethink any plans of trading down. Instead of moving back to gain more picks, the Steelers could suddenly find themselves in position to land a potential franchise quarterback without giving anything up. That scenario adds a dramatic twist to what was once a straightforward draft strategy.

Sanders is a fascinating prospect, with teams across the league still trying to pin down his true draft value. But if he’s still on the board at 21st overall, it would be difficult for the Steelers to justify passing on a talent of his caliber. In today’s NFL, landing a potential franchise quarterback is one of the most valuable moves a team can make—and Pittsburgh hasn’t had one since the Ben Roethlisberger era ended.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Very High On Drafting Shedeur Sanders

Now, Mike Tomlin could be staring at a rare opportunity to secure a quarterback he’s reportedly very high on—without sacrificing any draft capital. It’s the kind of scenario that could reshape the Steelers’ future if they decide to make the move.

With the 2025 NFL Draft set to kick off on Thursday, April 21, all eyes in Pittsburgh are on how this plays out. Steeler Nation is buzzing with anticipation, knowing this draft could bring the long-awaited answer under center.

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