The NFL Draft will begin next Thursday night on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, and the Steelers hold 12 picks in this year’s annual selection meeting. With a number that large, it’s almost a guarantee that they will be making at least one trade – whether it be moving up, trading back, and/or sending a notable veteran to another team in order to garner more picks in the future. With that in mind mind, these four hypothetical trades could become reality next week.
Steelers trade Patrick Queen to Dallas Cowboys
There were whispers that the Steelers
were approached by Jerry Jones on possibly trading linebacker Patrick Queen to the Cowboys. Obviously, Queen is still a Steeler, so nothing has come of it. That said, there were plenty of whispers and rumors in the weeks leading up to the George Pickens trade, as well. So a move could certainly still come to be.
If the Steelers wanted to move into the top 15, using Queen as a piece for a trade to jump up to No. 12 could make a lot of sense. The Cowboys have a major hole at off-ball linebacker, and Queen is entering the final year of his deal. Trading up for a receiver like Makai Lemon, should he be available, and promoting Payton Wilson to wear the green dot is a path that may be worth taking.
Projected trade:
- Steelers receive: No. 12 pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
- Cowboys receive: LB Patrick Queen, No. 21 pick
Steelers trade back with Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs currently hold two first-round picks (No. 9 and No. 29). Should they want to move up, the Steelers could be a target – especially if the board doesn’t fall in Pittsburgh’s favor. Say no receivers that Pittsburgh loves are available, or that they would like to draft someone like Denzel Boston, but feel safe in believing he’d be available if they traded back. If the Steelers could just swap first and second round picks with the Chiefs, that’s a big win.
Projected trade:
- Steelers receive: No. 29 pick, 2026 second-round pick (No. 40)
- Chiefs receive: No. 21 pick, 2026 second-round pick (No. 53)
Steelers trade EDGE Alex Highsmith to Carolina Panthers
We’ve talked extensively about Highsmith and the potential of him being moved over the last number of weeks. Considering Nick Herbig is in line for an extension, as well as the fact that the Steelers likely wouldn’t trade T.J. Watt, moving on from Highsmith and promoting Herbig to a starting role makes sense. Sending him to a team like Carolina who needs edge rushers would benefit both sides. Plus, Highsmith is from North Carolina and played his college ball at Charlotte.
Projected trade:
- Steelers receive: Third-round pick (No. 83), 2027 fourth-round pick
- Panthers receive: EDGE Alex Highsmith, 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 135)
Steelers trade for Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson
The Steelers are bringing in Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green for a visit. If they like what he brings to the table, the better version of him is already in the NFL and on the trade block. Richardson’s combination of size, speed, athleticism, and arm strength had many believing he could be this decade’s Cam Newton if he reached his peak. And while that obviously didn’t happen with the Colts, a team in the Steelers’ situation could see the raw tools that the Florida product possesses and put together a trade.
Projected trade:
- Steelers receive: QB Anthony Richardson,
- Colts receive: 2026 fourth-round pick (121)
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
