Steelers Primed For Bidding War As Trading Back Into First Round Gains Even More Steam

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be tucked away at the team's facility instead of enjoying 2026 NFL Draft festivities from Thursday through Saturday. While fans may think that the front office would like to be involved in the big event, it is the league's to host, and not the franchise's that is based out of the host city. Still, it should be very exciting due to the fact that General Manager Omar Khan has 12 overall selections and plenty of options. Rumors have been swirling about what could be on the table, and finding a way back into round one can't be ruled out due to the amount of capital that the Steelers possess.

Pittsburgh will have its choice of several top prospects with the 21st overall pick, as needs are relevant on the offensive line, at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield. The class as a whole is being talked about as if it is very top-heavy, meaning that it will might be hard to find legitimate starting talent later on as the weekend inches closer.

This is exactly why it could make complete sense for a team like the Steelers to attempt getting back into the first round. If Khan and co. were able to land a top lineman, as well as a pass-catching threat, while having fifth-year options for both of them, it could be extremely advantageous. The difficult part will be finding a partner that is willing to move relatively far back.

As teams around the league get set for one of the best events on the yearly sports calendar, some front offices are being a lot less shy about their intentions. While speaking to reporters, John Schneider, general manager of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, was very direct about his goal come Thursday evening. He wants to add picks, rather than taking a player with the 32nd overall selection.

"It's the pick that everybody wants," Schneider said in reference to 32. "A. You're blessed enough to win the Super Bowl, right? And the fifth-year option right there. It's no secret with us, we have four picks, so we'll be looking to move back."

What was the most interesting about these comments from Schneider was that he specifically commented about wanting more picks in 2026, rather than 2027. The Seahawks only have four, and not many organizations will be able to offer what the Steelers can. Hypothetically, Pittsburgh could be able to send its second-rounder, one of its thirds, and possibly one more to jump all the way from 53 to 32.

When a successful general manager such as Schneider blatantly says something like this out in the public, he is simply begging for a bidding war. This was a message to every other team throughout the league that he is open for business. It will depend on how the board falls, but there is no doubt that several teams have contacted him in advance to understand what the framework of a deal may look like.

For Pittsburgh, it is lucky that it arguably has the most attractive draft capital of any franchise. This doesn't mean that Khan will be willing to sell the house for a second first-round selection, but it does mean that he will be in the mix. The right player would have to be there; however, it's very likely that the Steelers have already touched based about what it will take for Schneider to accept an offer.

Steelers' Dream Would Be Top Wide Receiver Falling

Pittsburgh's trade for Michael Pittman Jr. helped fill a glaring hole that the team had. Now, it isn't a foregone conclusion that the organization will take a pass-catcher in round one. Having the ability to continue building in the trenches by taking an offensive lineman at 21 opens up the opportunity to trade back into the first round with the Seahawks if the ideal wide receiver slips.

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