The Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to have 12 overall selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. It will be very difficult for General Manager Omar Khan to use all of the picks, given the fact that only 53 individuals make the roster at the end of each preseason. It will be interesting to see how the front office navigates the situation, especially because it has three third- and two fourth-rounders to play with. The ideal situation would be finding different ways to give up 2026 capital in order to get more in 2027, given the fact that the organization still needs a quarterback for the future.
Joseph Maiorana / Imagn Images
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands on the field.
One of the challenges with dumping selections in 2026 on draft weekend for some in 2027 is that there is an overwhelming belief around the league that all general managers are stashing away those picks because of how promising the class of collegiate prospects is expected to be. This could setup Khan and the front office with some issues when trying to find partners when the big event is hosted in the Steel City.
Thankfully, there are always franchises in legitimate Super Bowl windows that may be interested in acquiring certain picks so that rookies can be taken that have the ability to contribute right away. This could be very possible for a team like the Denver Broncos, as the organization just agreed to a blockbuster deal that saw them part ways with a ton of 2026 capital.
Broncos are trading for Miami WR Jaylen Waddle, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2026
Denver receives: Waddle and Dolphins’ 4th-round pick (11th in round) in this year’s draft.
Miami receives: Broncos’ 1st round pick (30th overall) along with their late 3rd and 4th round picks (30th in each round) in…
According to Spotrac, the Broncos now only have four total picks prior to the seventh round. While acquiring Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins is a huge deal for the offense, Head Coach Sean Payton might have some idea of how to add to other areas of need. If Denver is looking to get back into the third round, the Steelers could be the perfect dance partner for a trade.
Denver has all of its selections in 2027, which would present a unique opportunity for Khan to get his hands on one or two picks. It may not seem like a big deal, but it might end up being one once the 2027 NFL Draft arrives and the Steelers are potentially looking to trade up in the first round for a specific signal-caller.
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Miami star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle celebrates with his teammates after a scoring big time touchdown during a professional football contest on the road.
Khan has proven time and time again that he is open to trading whenever and wherever. It doesn't matter if it is in the offseason or just prior to the league's trade deadline; Pittsburgh is ready for any other franchise's call. During draft weekend, Payton and the Broncos are likely to be searching for an extra pick or two because of the lack of capital overall. The Steelers are one of the few teams that will trying to be offload some picks.
The #NFL has announced 2026's compensatory draft picks and the #Steelers are tied for the most with four. Pittsburgh now owns 12 picks in the upcoming draft.
— Steelers Update (@SteelersUpdate1) March 9, 2026
Steelers comp picks:
Round 3 | Pick 99
Round 4 | Pick 135
Round 6 | Pick 214
Round 6 | Pick 216 pic.twitter.com/FMBxOknEMj
Denver just got a lot better with the acquisition of Waddle, but that doesn't mean the attempts to build the roster should slow down. After an AFC Championship appearance in 2025, the Broncos will likely do whatever they can to trade for a specific draft pick if a player is available that they believe can help them win moving forward.
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Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton looks up at the scoreboard with his play sheet in hand during a regular season game.
Steelers Must Avoid Trading Draft Picks Just Because They Have Too Many
The key for Khan will be patience. There are going to be teams — potentially the Broncos — that are aware of Pittsburgh's plethora of capital in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers' front office will have to very carefully evaluate every call that comes in, and then only accept offers that make complete sense. Desperation won't win the race, but persistence and strategy will.
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