It's much easier said than done regarding a trade making it across the finish line. The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider moving back in the NFL Draft to secure extra picks. The DK Metcalf trade made the Steelers stronger earlier in the offseason, but not having a second-round selection is difficult to overcome.
Trading back in the first round might be their best action, and general manager Omar Khan admitted this in his pre-draft press conference.
Just because the Steelers might want to trade back doesn't mean they'll have their wish granted. They need a dance partner in negotiations, and teams don't seem interested in moving up. There are always trades during the draft, and Pittsburgh better place calls to every team to gauge their interest in shipping them a pick or two in a potential trade.
The Steelers' success this upcoming season could count on a trade in the NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have clear trade partners in the 2025 NFL Draft
Buffalo Bills top picks: 30 (1), 56 (2) from trade, 62 (2), 109 (4), 132 (4)
When you think of teams desperate for success, it's hard to look past the Buffalo Bills. They want to win a Super Bowl with Josh Allen, but can't get to the big game. They could be an interesting dance partner for the Steelers if a prospect they love falls to a certain point. Buffalo has a handful of picks between rounds two and four that could pique Pittsburgh's interest.
The Bills have two second-round choices, which the Steelers would love to have. It's unlikely the Bills would part with one of them to move up nine spots in the first round of the draft. Maybe Buffalo could ship their latest second-round pick (Number 62) plus their fourth-round selection (Number 109) for the Steelers' third-rounder (Number 83). It's a steep price, but Pittsburgh would love this move.
READ MORE: Omar Khan better be fired if Steelers strike this mock trade at NFL draft
Jacksonville Jaguars top picks: 36 (2), 70 (3), 88 (3) from trade, 107 (4), 126 (4) from trade
Khan is a smart general manager, and he might be willing to swindle a new front office. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a new general manager and head coach. The young tandem in Jacksonville wants to prove their worth as soon as possible. That could mean they are willing to make a trade at the draft. They have a top-five pick in the first round but could want to double-dip.
If the Jaguars appear desperate to move up from their early second-round choice, Pittsburgh better make them pay a hefty price. The Steelers gaining a third-round selection and moving up 16 slots in the fourth round would be larceny. Steelers Nation would have nothing but praise for Khan if he made this deal a reality.
The Jaguars have the draft capital to make this trade work.
New York Giants top picks: 34 (2), 65 (3), 99 (3), 105 (4)
Many have speculated about the Steelers' interest in Shedeur Sanders. The young quarterback could fall to Pittsburgh's top pick in the NFL draft. He could be in play, or the Steelers want everyone to believe that. The New York Giants must win, or many in that building will get fired. That desperation for a quarterback could get Khan a haul of draft picks in a trade.
Maybe Pittsburgh doesn't make out like bandits in this mock trade, but they gain a top third-round selection after the pick swap. Tearing away the Giant's pick at 65 is fantastic value. Not having a first-round selection in this scenario could sting, but the Steelers must keep all avenues open. If the Giants are negotiating to try and pick Sanders, Khan could demand the world from New York.