Falcons And Steelers Draft Day Trade Begins To Gain Legitimate Steam

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers found a way to obtain 12 total selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan played the compensatory pick game while also holding on to most of the capital that the team was always projected to have. This will give the organization options, but one of the main negatives to the situation is that it would likely be better to have this kind of ammo in 2027, when the quarterback class is expected to be much stronger. Still, the front office will be able to go in a number of different directions.

The Steelers have always and will continue to answer the phone when other franchises call about potential deals. That should especially be the case at the end of April for Khan and Co. It is nearly impossible to draft and then retain 12 rookies once the 53-man roster is announced just prior to the regular season beginning. That gives Pittsburgh the option of trading up and using some of the capital, or sending some out the door for future selections.

The latter is what fans will look for when the big event takes place in the Steel City. The team has had a respectable offseason; however, the future remains murky because of the longstanding question at the quarterback position. Building up picks for 2027 will give the Steelers options in what could end up being a rather legendary class for signal-callers.

Recently, new Atlanta Falcons General Manager Ian Cunningham sent a clear message via the organization's official website that he wants to be open for business. The previous regime gave away its 2026 first-round pick, so the NFC South franchise currently only has five total chances in 2026. According to the head of the front office, however, he is looking to change that fortune.

"For us, it’s one of those things where we have to go into this thinking we only have five picks. That’s worst case," Cunningham said. "If we come out of it with just five picks, we come out of it with just five picks. We are already looking at different ways to potentially manufacture some more. But if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out."

Many teams could be linked to Atlanta in this situation, but the Steelers have to be at the very top of the list. Having five overall selections on the first two days gives Khan the ability to do whatever he wants. Now that Cunningham has openly admitted to wanting another pick or two, Pittsburgh has to at least entertain the option because the Falcons might get desperate with only three chances within the initial four rounds.

It would come as a shock if the Steelers actually end up using all 12 selections that they have at their disposal. It makes no sense to do so, which means that Khan has a few ways to cut down on that number come the NFL Draft. The hope is that adding 2027 capital will allow the team to make an aggressive move in a year, but not all franchises are going to be okay with parting from those picks.

The Falcons have questions at the quarterback position as well, but the new front office might want to make a splash or two right out of the gate. This is something that has to be on the Steelers' radar.

Steelers Are Likely Weighing All Options With Significant Draft Capital

Pittsburgh is in a good spot. Trading up or trading back will both be options in several rounds, but adding a pick or two for 2027 is also something that Khan is going to factor in when it comes to any decisions. He has always been a very strategic mind, and fans should not expect that to stop anytime soon. The timely comments from Cunningham should immediately spark theories of trade scenarios relevant to the Steelers and Falcons.

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