Steelers Exploring Trade-Down Options Amid Evolving QB Draft Strategy

With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, all 32 teams still hold their first-round picks—for now. While this year’s draft class doesn’t project to produce many blockbuster trades, several teams are exploring trade-down opportunities, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly among them.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers are open to moving back from their current No. 21 overall spot. This comes as little surprise after the team sent away their 2025 second-round pick in the deal to acquire star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Trading down could help Pittsburgh recoup some of that lost draft capital. However, as Schefter points out, there are currently few teams showing a willingness to trade up, which could complicate those plans.

While Pittsburgh didn’t initially plan to target a quarterback in Round 1, circumstances might change that approach. Shedeur Sanders, once seen as a clear first-rounder, has seen his draft stock slide. Schefter notes that the Steelers didn’t expect Sanders to potentially fall into their range, and head coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly a fan of the Colorado quarterback. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart is also on Pittsburgh’s radar and has been graded as a first-round talent by the team.

Despite re-signing Mason Rudolph, the Steelers are still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. With uncertainty still surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ potential availability for 2025—should Pittsburgh pursue him as a short-term solution—the team could look to secure their future under center in this year’s draft.

Whether Pittsburgh pulls the trigger on a quarterback in the first round or trades back to gain more picks, their draft strategy remains one of the more intriguing storylines to watch heading into draft night.