Are the Las Vegas Raiders a Perfect Pick Swap Partner for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2026 NFL Draft?

With the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers still hold onto all 12 of their draft picks, a league-leading number. While questions remain about who the Steelers plan to select with the 21st overall pick, or even which position they will target, an even larger question is what Pittsburgh plans to do with the other 11 picks they hold, seven of which are in the first four rounds. From general draft experts, to beat writers, and even New England patriots executive Eliot Wolf, the consensus is that the 2026 NFL Draft is very top-heavy, with the "bulk of value coming within the top 50 to 60 players." The Steel City has the privilege of hosting the NFL Draft this year, something they last did in 1947. With a multitude of selections and incredible work over his first four seasons as Pittsburgh's general manager, Omar Khan sits in a perfect spot to move up and snatch more than one of those top 50-60 players.

As talk around the league continues about the Steelers' gaping hole at quarterback, they await Aaron Rodgers' decision. There has also been a lot of discussion about Pittsburgh's wide receiver room. The black and gold have star receivers D.K. Metcalf and recently acquired Michael Pittman Jr. Still, many analysts believe the Steelers will select a wide receiver in the first round. They have not done this in two decades. What is Pittsburgh's plan for the second and third rounds? According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, the Las Vegas Raiders could be a perfect trade candidate for Pittsburgh to move up in the second round. This would help them select an incredible prospect who may be falling in the draft. DeFabo stated, "The Raiders hold the fourth pick of the second round, number 36 overall, and could be interested in adding picks as they build around quarterback Fernando Mendoza. To move up in the second round from 53 to 36, the Steelers might be able to bridge the gap with the third-round pick from the Pickens trade, number 76 overall." If the Steelers land one of the prospects they have hosted for a pre-draft visit without moving up in the first round, they could be in a great position. They could then take an expensive risk by trying to acquire the Raiders' or another team's early second-round pick. 

For months now, there have been trade rumors floating around between the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, which would send linebacker Patrick Queen, along with Pittsburgh's first and one of their third-round picks, in exchange for Dallas's first-round selection, 12th overall. This trade may not need to happen at all, allowing Pittsburgh to find their perfect selection, whether it is a wide receiver, offensive lineman, or safety, which has led Pittsburgh's pre-draft visits. At the same time, they retain Queen, who is only 26. There is little to no chance the Steelers will draft 12 rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft, which has already been deemed weaker than most. Another option that the Steel City has, whether they make a trade with Las Vegas, Dallas, or someone else, is to use their 2026 draft capital as a bartering tool to gain more 2027 draft capital, as the 2027 class of prospects in filled with tremendous potential, talent, and great quarterbacks; a position the Steelers will definitely be in search, unless Will Howard gets the starting job this season or next, and becomes a franchise player for Pittsburgh. Khan has not made any moves yet with his draft picks, but it seems the Raiders rebuild is the perfect opportunity for him to work his magic once again and grab two phenomenal players for a new and improved Steelers team.