The NFL Draft is set to begin next Thursday in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers have 12 picks and are likely to make at least one trade. Hypothetical trades include sending linebacker Patrick Queen to the Dallas Cowboys.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 07: Anthony Richardson Sr. #5 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the NFL Preseason 2025 at M&T Bank Stadium on August 07, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NFL Draft will begin next Thursday night on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, and the Steelers hold 12 picks in this yearās annual selection meeting. With a number that large, itās almost a guarantee that they will be making at least one trade ā 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.
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:
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 ā especially if the board doesnāt fall in Pittsburghās 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 heād be available if they traded back. If the Steelers could just swap first and second round picks with the Chiefs, thatās a big win.
Projected trade:
Weāve 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 wouldnāt 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:
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. Richardsonās combination of size, speed, athleticism, and arm strength had many believing he could be this decadeās Cam Newton if he reached his peak. And while that obviously didnāt happen with the Colts, a team in the Steelersā situation could see the raw tools that the Florida product possesses and put together a trade.
Projected trade:
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The Steelers are considering several trades, including potentially moving up, trading back, or sending veteran players like Patrick Queen to other teams.
The Steelers have been rumored to be considering trading linebacker Patrick Queen to the Dallas Cowboys.
The Steelers hold 12 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft is scheduled to start next Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
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