It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to add another wide receiver this offseason. Although they already acquired Michael Pittman Jr. via an earlier trade, the team is still seeking to strengthen the position group. With only four wide receivers currently on the roster, it would not be surprising if the Steelers address the need multiple times during the NFL Draft.
If one of the top three wide receivers in this draft class were to slip into a range where Pittsburgh could reasonably trade up, the Steelers would be wise to explore their options.
FanSided senior contributor Marcus Mosher recently outlined a potentially ideal scenario for general manager Omar Khan to consider. In his mock trade, Mosher identified the Dallas Cowboys as a possible and logical trade partner for Pittsburgh.
"I really wonder if the Steelers could be the ultimate trade-back team for the Cowboys at No. 12." Mosher continued his tweet, "If Lemon/Tyson are available at No. 12, Pittsburgh should try to jump the Rams to get one of those wideouts."
If any of Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, or Jordyn Tyson were to slip into the first round, Khan would be wise to start making calls. Those players clearly sit atop this draft’s wide receiver class, and Pittsburgh could benefit greatly from adding another impact playmaker at the position.
Trading up nine spots with Dallas makes sense, as the Cowboys may be looking to acquire additional draft capital. With 12 total selections in the NFL Draft, the Steelers have the flexibility to facilitate such a deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock trade with the Cowboys at the NFL Draft paints a pretty picture
According to Mosher, this trade scenario represents a fair outcome for both teams. Pittsburgh moves up nine spots in the first round to select one of the top wide receivers in the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, Dallas trades back to pick No. 21 and acquires an additional second-round selection in the process. The Cowboys currently lack a second-round pick, making the return in this proposal appealing.
"According to the trade value chart, a deal might look like this: Dallas gives No. 12 (1200 points) Pittsburgh trades No. 21 and No. 53 (1170 points)," Mosher conjectured.
According to Mosher, this trade proposal nearly balances out in terms of overall point value. The Steelers would hold a slight edge when evaluating which side gains more, as they would give up marginally fewer points than Dallas. Still, the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the most important factor is that the Black and Gold secure a trade partner at a reasonable cost.
With 12 total picks in the draft, including five within the top 100, Pittsburgh should be open to moving some of its draft capital.
Sending away a second-round pick for the second consecutive year would be a bold move, but it may be a necessary risk in this situation. If needed, the Steelers could always explore trading back into the second round, given how many selections they possess. Ultimately, making this move could be worthwhile if it allows them to secure a top-tier wide receiver.
Trading up for a prospect is never a slam dunk, as the move can backfire. Devin Bush serves as a prime example of that risk. However, things could still work out in the Steelers’ favor in this scenario. With the likelihood of Tyson, Lemon, or Tate falling to pick No. 21 remaining low, trading up may represent Pittsburgh’s best opportunity to secure an impact player from that elite group.