Steelers Stand Firm at Trade Deadline: Set Sights for 2026 NFL Draft
After a flurry of rumors surrounding the Steelers’ plans to add new weapons, fans were disappointed that no deals were made by Tuesday’s deadline. However, the Steelers’ top brass have shown their current rebuilding strategy and their intent for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Trade Deadline Deals and Rumors
The Steelers added former Patriots safety Kyle Duggar and a 7th round pick for a 6th round pick. Duggar has been a solid starter for New England, but is not a scheme fit for HC Mike Vrabel’s defense. The Steelers desperately needed the depth after losing safety Deshon Elliott to an ACL injury for the season. On top of that, safeties Chuck Clark and Jabril Peppers are both battling injuries of their own.
Many were convinced the Steelers would add another weapon to QB Aaron Rodgers’ arsenal. Names like Jakobi Meyers, Rashid Shaheed, Jaylen Waddle, and even Brian Thomas Jr. were tossed around as potential options. There were also numerous reports on the day of the trade deadline that the Steelers were trying to make a big move, presumably for Waddle or another wide receiver not commonly discussed as available for trade.
Ultimately, the price point for these receivers did not sit right with General Manager Omar Khan. Instead of “selling the farm” and making a desperation move, they decided to hold on to future draft capital.
Should Pittsburgh have traded for a WR2?
In my opinion, this was the right move by the Steelers organization. Let’s face it - would Jakobi Meyers or Rhahid Shaheed really have made that big of an impact for the Steelers’ 2025 campaign? Neither of these players has ever been anything more than a role player for their teams. The impact that they would have had on this team is marginal at best. Their price points were also higher than anticipated for players with their resumes.
I am also glad they didn’t make a big trade for someone like Jaylen Waddle or Brian Thomas Jr. Both are great talents and would instantly improve this team. The problem is the cost. The Miami Dolphins were reportedly asking for a first-round pick plus for Waddle. Waddle, 27, had three 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, but injuries have hampered him in the last two seasons. Brian Thomas Jr. was someone the Steelers liked in the 2024 draft process, but he was presumably not available, despite rumors to the contrary.
The Steelers have many holes in their roster. Every trade scenario affects other positions on the team. The cost was not worth it in the end.
Commitment to Rebuilding: The Steeler Way
Don’t get it twisted - the Steelers are currently in rebuild mode. This may sound preposterous, as they are currently the top team in the AFC North with a 5-3 record. They just took down one of the hottest teams in the NFL (the Indianapolis Colts), and the defense forced six turnovers. Rebuilding teams trade away all of their assets for future picks, like the New York Jets did, right?
That is not the Steelers’ way. As soon as GM Omar Khan took over in 2022, the Steelers’ rebuild began. In three draft classes with GM Omar Khan at the helm, the Steelers have maneuvered excellently through the draft. The initial goal was to completely reload in the trenches at the offensive and defensive lines. They’ve also found some later-round gems in linebacker Nick Herbig, who has been phenomenal in 2025, and guard Mason McCormick, who has secured a starting role on the offensive line.
While building through the draft, the Steelers have aggressively pursued veteran players such as quarterback Aaron Rodgers, defensive back Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Patrick Queen, and more.
This approach has allowed the Steelers to begin rebuilding through the draft without sacrificing competitiveness. Pittsburgh is currently projected to have 12 draft picks in 2026, including three third-round selections. We will know more by the end of the season as compensatory picks are settled, but the Steelers are primed to make some noise in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in Pittsburgh. GM Omar Khan wants as many picks at his disposal to move around the board freely to select the best available players.
The “Steeler Way” can be summed up in one of Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s favorite phrases: “The standard is the standard.” Simply put, this slogan is a commitment to excellence and a pursuit of greatness. The standard does not allow for “lost” seasons.
As a fan, it’s always fun to speculate which big-name players could join your team at the trade deadline. Realistically, the Steelers were wise to be patient, and their shrewdness should pay off in 2026 during the NFL Draft.