Steelers May Have To Sacrifice Future Quarterback To Make Massive Move In 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to make a big splash in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have 12 picks in hand, and odds are they will not be using all of them. General Manager Omar Khan has been working the phones for a while now, and he will continue to do so throughout the three-day event in Pittsburgh as he looks for either a big move up to get an elite prospect, or some draft capital in 2027 to try and secure a quarterback. He has all kinds of options that can come to fruition on Thursday night. 

Khan's choice could lead to consequences in the future though. While making a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Mark Kaboly was speaking about trade-up scenarios in the first round. He said that making a big move there could lead to issues in the 2027 draft.

"If [Omar Khan]'s going to move up and make a splash in the first round, he's going to have to give up probably something not only this year, but next year as well," Kaboly said. "If you're moving from 21 to 13, 21 to 8, you're going to give up a first-rounder next year."

Obviously, the Steelers will have to give up more draft capital if they want to draft much higher, but giving up a first-round pick in 2027 should be completely off the table for a team as desperate for a quarterback as they are. In fact, most or all of their capital for that year is likely already not available, as they will be anticipating a massive trade-up as they also hope to win in the 2026 season, and have a late pick. 

The good news for the Steelers is that the draft pick value chart does not agree with Kaboly's take. The Steelers could give up a second-round pick or multiple third-rounders in this upcoming draft to move up to the 13th overall pick, while also getting a pick back. If they give up enough in draft capital, they could even receive a late 2027 pick, along with the high pick they potentially move up for.

Moving up to the eighth overall pick may require a quality 2027 pick to push through, but it wouldn't necessarily have to be a first-rounder. It would still be extremely costly, and unless one of the potential generational talents falls to that point, it most likely would not be worth it. That is where things get dicey for Pittsburgh, and Khan would likely be a lot less willing to make that kind of deal to make sure he doesn't mortgage his future. 

The best comparison for the Steelers in this situation would be their trade-up in the 2019 draft. They moved up from Pick 20 to 10 to select linebacker Devin Bush. They gave up their second-rounder that year, as well as a 2020 third-round selection to make that move. Based on the draft pick value chart, that was seen as an overpayment by Pittsburgh, and that was even before Bush failed to develop properly with the team.

Steelers Won't Make A Trade For The Sake Of Trading

While Khan is aggressive in negotiations and he wants to make some sort of move next week, he has proven that he is not the kind of guy that will just make a splash move to say that he tried. He is still methodical, and there are a handful of players that he would make a move for. If a guy like Makai Lemon or Caleb Downs falls out of the Top 10, he is likely making a deal. If not, he may just stand pat and wait to move up. 

What do you think about the Steelers possibly having to give up a 2027 draft choice to move up in the upcoming draft? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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