Steelers Considering Trading Back in 2026 Draft

GM Khan may target 2027 picks to rebuild draft capital for future QB trade up

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are considering trading back in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. With 12 picks already, the team may look to acquire 2027 draft capital instead of 2026 picks, in an effort to rebuild their war chest for a future quarterback trade up.

Why it matters

The Steelers have a lot of draft capital in 2026, but trading back to target 2027 picks could give them more flexibility to make a big move for a quarterback in the future. This strategy would allow the team to address other needs in 2026 while setting themselves up for a potential franchise QB acquisition down the line.

The details

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah suggested that Steelers GM Omar Khan may look to trade back in the 2026 draft, rather than use all 12 of the team's current picks. Instead of acquiring more 2026 selections, Khan could target 2027 picks, rebuilding the Steelers' draft capital for a future trade up to land a quarterback.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April/May 2026.

The players

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Daniel Jeremiah

An NFL Network draft analyst who proposed the idea of the Steelers trading back in the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“With 12 picks already, that sounds crazy on the surface, but what if, instead of acquiring 2026 draft capital in exchange for moving back, Khan targeted 2027 picks in an effort to rebuild his war chest for a future quarterback trade up? That might make some sense.”

— Alan Saunders, Host, Steelers Morning Rush Podcast (steelersnow.com)

What’s next

The Steelers will have a better sense of their 2026 draft plans as the 2023 and 2024 seasons unfold and they evaluate their roster and quarterback situation.

The takeaway

The Steelers' willingness to trade back in the 2026 draft to target 2027 picks shows their long-term focus on building a championship roster, even if it means passing on immediate draft capital. This strategy could pay dividends if it allows them to make a big move for a franchise quarterback in the future.