Steelers Now Have Trade Scenario To Make Huge Splash In Round 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of attention on the organization because of where the 2026 NFL Draft was going to be held. The big event kicked off on Thursday evening, and the franchise completely fumbled. While offensive tackle Max Iheanachor could very well turn into a very reliable lineman, Makai Lemon would have really gotten the fan base excited. Instead, a complete shock ended up coming in the direction of the Steelers, with the Philadelphia Eagles jumping up the board to take the wideout. The backlash has been severe right out of the gate, and now the team must try to put out of the fire.

The good news for General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers is that Pittsburgh is set to have 11 more selections. Four of those should come on Friday night, but things can change, and in a hurry. NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that there are several organizations that are picking early on in the second round, but are very open to trading back.

"Sources: The #49ers, #Cardinals and #Bills have received calls about potential trades at the top of Round 2 tonight, setting up what could be a busy trade night.It makes sense as Round 1 ended with five of the final seven picks being traded," Schultz wrote on X.

He added that the San Francisco 49ers are the top franchise to watch, and it is because they would like to acquire more draft capital, and that is something Khan has at his disposal.

"Sources: The #49ers are considered “very open” to moving back and continuing to acquire draft capital at No. 33. They’re targeting several players and don’t necessarily need to pick at 33 to land one of them," Schultz noted.

Moving up 20 spots won't necessarily be easy, but it is doable for the Steelers. Giving up picks 53, 76 and 121 may be just enough to get there. It would give San Francisco prime Day 2 capital while adding a sweetener on top for the fourth round. Pittsburgh could then have its pick of first-round prospects that ended up falling out of round one.

It is intriguing that the three teams with the initial three selections on Friday evening are open to taking calls. This allows for bidding wars to start happening. Khan has the potential to win over most other front offices, so he should be expected to be active, especially after what ended up happening on the first night of the big event on Thursday.

The Arizona Cardinals and Buffalo Bills have likely named their prices, just as the 49ers probably have done as well. One name to keep a very close on eye for the Steelers is wide receiver Denzel Boston. After having a strong desire to take a pass-catcher with the 21st overall pick, there's no reason to believe the fact that the position could still be on Pittsburgh's mind.

There are also cornerbacks that are lingering, such as Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood. There are valuable prospects remaining at safety and defensive line as well, so Khan has the opportunity to make a splash. As far as playing politics goes, it would be wise to excite the home crowd on Friday after the confusing events that took place surrounding Lemon.

Steelers Going After Boston Would Clearly Make A Ton Of Sense

Pittsburgh only has four wide receivers under contract, so the team will be adding to the room much sooner rather than later. Boston was projected as a first-round prospect and ended up slipping. The jury would be out for a long time potentially on if Lemon or Boston becomes the better pass-catcher, but the Steelers are going to have to right the wrong from Thursday night. Moving up to the 33rd spot would send a strong message that the front office isn't taking the situation lightly.

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