The Pittsburgh Steelers had a great plan in 2025 that they executed well: manipulate the compensatory pick chart and stock up on selections to be able to find their quarterback of the future. They did that, and another trade helped get them up to 12 total selections for the upcoming NFL Draft. Everything went perfectly... except for one thing. Nearly every single top passer prospect underperformed in the 2025 season. Many of them decided to stay in college for one more year, while the ones that did declare, fell out of favor quickly.
Matthew O'Haren / USA TODAY Sports
Penn State QB Drew Allar getting ready to throw the football.
Now, the Steelers are in a pickle. They couldn't do the same thing they did in 2025, as they didn't have a free agent quarterback that would likely get paid on the open market, let alone two. Finding a trade partner to ship off some of those assets for 2027 picks will be borderline impossible, but odds are they don't want to actually use all 12 picks this year, especially since they don't really have 12 needs on the team at this point.
In his latest mailbag, insider Gerry Dulac was asked about another option with utilizing those selections: trading up. In typical Dulac fashion, he gave an answer that was short, sweet, and to the point.
"Yes," Dulac said.
There have been all kinds of rumors about the Steelers wanting to move up in the draft, and this statement certainly helps confirm that. General Manager Omar Khan is aggressive with trade negotiations, and new head coach Mike McCarthy needs to make a great first impression. Landing an elite player in the Top 15 or maybe even the Top 10 will definitely help with that, especially with the draft being held in Pittsburgh.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach, Mike McCarthy, with Team President Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan at McCarthy's introductory press conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
There's usually at least one top player that has some sort of shocking slide in the first round due to multiple different reasons. Obviously, the Steelers won't know until it actually happens, but if a top-5 or top-10 prospect falls far enough, there should be no surprise in Pittsburgh giving up plenty of 2026 picks to move up and get their guy. There are plenty of options for Khan and McCarthy to work through as they get this show on the road.
Steelers Have Numerous Options To Trade Up For
The Steelers are seemingly most intrigued by the wide receiver class, so that would likely be their first preference. If Carnell Tate can slide down far enough, Khan would probably end up working the phones viciously to move up and get the elite wideout that Pittsburgh has been missing. Getting a big-time receiver like that would help any quarterback on the roster, young or old. He could be wearing Black and Gold for the next decade as well.
Of course, the Steelers would also be happy with elite players at other positions. Sticking with the Ohio State Buckeyes theme, Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs could end up getting plucked by Pittsburgh to reinforce the defense with more high-end talent. With how much that side of the ball is aging, getting some young, elite talent could help revitalize the defense and raise its ceiling back to being a top-flight unit.
Jason Mowry / Getty Images
Sonny Styles gets ready to make a play during a home game for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
There is also the chance that they could trade back up into the first round to keep loading up on talent while they can. Outside of tight end and running back, this appears to be a very top-heavy draft. If they can manage to fill a couple of needs with first-round talents, they will definitely consider that a success.
What do you think about the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft in the first round? Who would you want them to trade up for? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB. I will respond and follow back.
#SteelerNation