Several teams picking before the Pittsburgh Steelers' No. 21 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft have reportedly discussed trading down. Reports highlight interest from the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and others. Pittsburgh holds 12 picks, positioning it for potential moves up the board.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 21 pick and 12 total selections, giving general manager Omar Khan flexibility for trades. Khan is set to address the media on Monday, though he is unlikely to reveal plans publicly. Credible reports indicate multiple teams ahead could be open to moving back, creating opportunities for Pittsburgh to advance for top prospects like safeties Caleb Downs or receivers such as Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson. Albert Breer of SI.com reported that the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3), Tennessee Titans (No. 4), New York Giants (No. 5), Cleveland Browns (No. 6), and Washington Commanders (No. 7) are already exploring trade-down options. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic noted the New York Jets (No. 2) have held conversations about moving back, though it would likely require significant future picks. Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan stated his team is more inclined to trade down from No. 11 than up. Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht hinted at openness to a move from No. 15, saying, “In a lot of scenarios that we’re working through, yeah,” but noted finding partners can be challenging. The Giants recently acquired No. 10 by trading defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, adding intrigue to their position. Trade values per Jimmy Johnson’s chart suggest deals from No. 11 or 15 could be feasible for the Steelers.
