Steelers Have A Clear Path To Add Even More Picks For 2026 NFL Draft Following Proposed Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 draft picks, and that is an exciting amount of capital to work with. Having that many selections gives the team flexibility to address multiple needs, move up in the draft, or even stockpile talent for the future. It also creates plenty of intrigue around how aggressive the front office might be when the time comes.

Everyone is curious about what exactly Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike McCarthy are going to do with those picks. Khan has already shown that he is not afraid to make bold moves wherever he sees an opportunity to improve the roster. That willingness to act decisively was evident when he pulled the trigger on the deal to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, a move that signaled a win-now mindset.

Now, another potential move is generating buzz across the football world. Fox Sports NFL reporter Ralph Vacchiano has proposed a trade that would send Metcalf to the Washington Commanders. In return, Pittsburgh would receive a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. While it is only a hypothetical scenario, it raises interesting questions about whether the Steelers would consider flipping a major acquisition so quickly in order to build even more long-term draft capital.

"The idea of the Steelers trading him all depends on what happens with Aaron Rodgers, and whether Pittsburgh goes for it all in 2026, or goes into a rebuilding mode," Vacchiano said. "They did just trade for Michael Pittman [Jr.], so their cupboard wouldn’t be bare without Metcalf. And Metcalf was a bit of a disappointment last season with just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns, as Rodgers struggled to find him downfield. He’d have better luck with the younger, stronger Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball. And the Commanders are desperate for a WR opposite Terry McLaurin. Metcalf cost the Steelers a second-round pick. But after a down year, and with three years and more than $100 million left on his contract, something less would do."

Of course, all of this is pending what Aaron Rodgers decides to do. Once again, the Steelers are left waiting on Rodgers. Many believe, much like the 2025 offseason, he is going to come in and play for the 2026 season. However, until he puts pen to paper, few are going to truly believe it.

The Steelers have five picks within the top 100, and those selections are going to steal most of the attention and excitement. Those picks will energize Steeler Nation and bring plenty of immediate gratification. Still, it is in the third and fourth rounds where Khan and McCarthy can really work some magic. If they get into a rhythm, they could compound value and maneuver the board to their liking.

Steelers GM Omar Khan Facing Immense Pressure In This Draft

If the Steelers are truly looking to double down on draft capital and get younger in key areas, they certainly could and arguably should. Many Steelers fans would love to see them go in that direction. One way to do that would be to take Vacchiano's advice and move Metcalf for even more draft capital, which would also free up some money. 

A move like that would signal a clear indication of a rebuild. For now, though, it remains a hypothetical. Still, it highlights just how much Khan can do with these 12 picks, and it is safe to say he will be judged heavily based on how he drafts.

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