The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured a dozen selections in the 2026 NFL Draft and have been strategic in doing so. The front office has been rumored to be exploring ways to maximize the team's capital by either trading up for a top prospect or trading down for additional picks. This notion has often included the Steelers' first-round pick (choice 21), but the Black and Gold's Day 2 picks could have a lot of potential to be moved. General Manager Omar Khan has been known for his aggressiveness in the draft, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him make some moves, but at what point in the draft is the question.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks on the phone while attending a team event.
The Steelers were the second-oldest team in the league in 2025, and a new wave of rookies would help that metric greatly. However, it seems to be difficult for the team to take on 12 new players. This is what makes a trade seem almost imminent. The roster needs to be at 53 guys before the season, and 12 first-year guys being on there seems nearly impossible. That's where trading comes into play. Pittsburgh could move itself into the top 50 multiple times with a trade up, and that could be huge.
Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter explained that this is a real possibility on an episode of the Locked On Steelers podcast.
"I really think he's [Omar Khan] going to be out there shopping and saying, 'Hey, you know how, you know, where can I move up?' Maybe not in the first round. Maybe he moves back in the first round, but in that second round, in that third round, I think that's where he's going to try to be more aggressive, instead of bringing in some guys that just happen to fall to us on Day 2," Carter said.
The Steelers have three third-round picks at their disposal. That includes their own, a comp pick, and the one they acquired from the Dallas Cowboys via trade. These picks have trade written all over them and could be a way that Pittsburgh could re-enter round two if they so choose. The Black and Gold have some positions of need that could be addressed in the second round, and it would ensure that they could nab the player they want. A combo of their own second and one of their third-rounders could be enough for them to rise within the second.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Art Rooney II and Omar Khan look on after making a draft pick.
Pittsburgh seems to be gearing up for the future with a focus on bringing in young talent while maintaining a veteran presence with some of its stars. The more quality, NFL-ready rookies, the better this team could be. It's clear that the organization is trying to remain competitive in 2026, and trading for players that they believe in and fit the team's culture is a better way to go than letting players fall to you. Khan has proven he isn't afraid of trading up, and this time around could be no different.
Steelers Won't Stay Put, And That Could Mean Adding A Guard
The Steelers have invested a lot to acquire their draft stockpile, and there is little in their way from making that big swing. The versatility of these picks and the need for youth and roster upgrades make it the perfect scenario for a big move. Pittsburgh doesn't have a clear starting left guard. They have veterans like Brock Hoffman, who they just signed in the offseason, and Spencer Anderson as front-runners there, but neither has been a long-term starter.
Andrew Dieb / Imagn Images
Steelers' Brock Hoffman celebrates during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
The team could use its first-round pick or possibly trade up on Day 2 to make that selection. This is where the flexibility of the picks comes into play. Nonetheless, the Steelers will use their picks to shore up the holes in their roster. Whether that be as a starter, additional depth, or a project piece for the future, the front office knows that they need to make sure they hit on their picks in 2026.
#SteelerNation