With the level of interest the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown in the quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL draft, a trade-up in the first round is a real possibility. If the Steelers are all-in on a guy like Liberty’s Malik Willis or even Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, they will need to mortgage some picks to go up and get them.
The same can be said if the Steelers would decide to make a move for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. This trade seems less likely but in the NFL anything can happen.
But the unintended consequence of trading up for one position of need means the other positions of need will have to be filled via free agency. The Steelers main positional needs heading into the draft are wide receiver, offensive tackle, strong safety and outside linebacker.
If the Steelers have to send their day-two picks to another team to trade up in the first round or for a veteran, Pittsburgh can no longer draft those positions. Before you try to spin this into a positive for the Steelers since they can add veteran talent who can help more now, there is the issue of money. Pittsburgh needs to get a contract extension done with star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which may or may not eat into this season’s cap.
That leaves less to spend on veteran free agents at those positions. Personally, I don’t want to see the Steelers mortgage their long-term future in a draft so deep at those need positions. Add young talent there, roll with the quarterbacks you have, even draft one at No. 20 but those second and third-round picks can be better used than as trade currency.
Let us know in the comments if you want to see the Steelers trade up in the draft.