The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to finally end their playoff drought, and they’ll be doing it with a new leader at the helm. Enter Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl–winning head coach with 18 years of experience, now returning to his hometown with one mission: change the trajectory of a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. Steelers fans have grown frustrated with years of slightly above-average results and early exits, and the expectation in Pittsburgh remains as high as ever.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan intently making a crucial phone call during NFL Draft weekend.
The 2026 NFL Draft presents McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan with a rare opportunity to reshape the roster quickly. With 12 picks at their disposal, the Steelers have the draft capital to inject serious young talent into a roster that already features a strong veteran foundation. If they hit on their selections, this team could surprise a lot of people in the 2026 season. Of course, it all depends if the veteran Aaron Rodgers will be playing quarterback for the Steelers or not. Khan has never been shy about being aggressive, and with this kind of flexibility, many around the league are wondering just how far Pittsburgh is willing to go.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Giants may pick at No. 5. But it appears they'll at least have the chance to consider trade options. pic.twitter.com/KWftmtPeuE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2026
Adding even more intrigue, the draft being held in Pittsburgh for the first time ever is expected to bring fireworks, and fresh news involving the New York Giants could give Khan the perfect opportunity to make a major splash. The Steelers are currently set to pick 21st overall, but with the Giants reportedly open to trading back from the No. 5 pick, a door may be opening. If there’s a player Pittsburgh truly covets, don’t be surprised if Khan makes a bold move into the top five, a decision that could change everything for the franchise’s future.
"The Giants may pick at No. 5, but it appears they'll at least have the chance to consider trade options," Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday afternoon.
Ian Rapoport made it clear that the No. 5 overall pick is typically reserved for a premium position, but with several elite, potentially generational talents at non-premium spots in this class, the Giants are open to moving back. Rapoport noted that many teams believe high-end talent will still be available later in the first round because of how this draft is shaping up, which could set the stage for a major trade.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan signs autographs and meets with fans during the team's 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
That’s why he expects a big move could happen, and the Steelers are a team to watch given the strong collection of draft capital they hold. Of course, the Giants would demand premium compensation to move out of the fifth spot, so the real question becomes how aggressive Pittsburgh is willing to be and which player they value enough to go get. Fans will have their questions answered soon.
Steelers Could Really Shake Up The 2026 NFL Draft
Would the Steelers reach for a standout talent like Caleb Downs that high, or could they stay patient and look ahead to the 2027 draft in search of their franchise quarterback? Maybe they try to move that draft capital forward to parlay it into a luxury pick in 2027.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan takes a phone call before a game.
Either way, the fact that the Giants remain firmly open to trading down creates a real opportunity for Khan to showcase his trademark aggression. All eyes are going to be on the Black and Gold as this new era of Steelers football kicks off in 2026.
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