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NFL could punish Steelers for calling Makai Lemon while Eagles were on the clock
TL;DR
Makai Lemon was drafted by the Eagles after they traded up, but the Steelers called him while on the clock. The NFL is reviewing the Steelers' actions, which may lead to potential punishment for interference.
Key points
- Makai Lemon was drafted by the Eagles after a trade.
- Steelers GM Omar Khan called Lemon while the Eagles were on the clock.
- The NFL is reviewing the Steelers' call for potential rule violations.
Pittsburgh SteelersPhiladelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon is officially a Philadelphia Eagle, but he was nearly headed to Pittsburgh on draft night. When the Eagles traded up with Dallas to the No. 20 overall pick, they were trying to reach Lemon to confirm the pick. However, Lemon was on the phone with Steelers GM Omar Khan, who was trying to select him at No. 21.
Here is the moment Makai Lemon thought he was getting drafted by #Steelers and realizing in real time that the #Eagles traded up, via @gmfb this morning.
He asked Omar Khan "Why is Philly calling [me]?" pic.twitter.com/AbXDJONYye
— Ross McCorkle (@Ross\_McCorkle) April 24, 2026 Pittsburgh assumed that the Cowboys were going to select a defender, so they were getting a jump on Lemon. According to former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg, teams are not permitted to speak with players if it interferes with the team that is on the clock. *“Clubs that are not ‘on the clock’ may have discussions with the representative of one or more draft-eligible players not yet selected (or discussion with the players themselves) regarding the player’s interest in playing in the League, playing with a particular club or type of club, the player’s health, or other such non-financial matters, **so long as these discussions do not interfere with discussions between a player and the club that is ‘on the clock.’**”* Clubs that are not “on the clock” may have discussions with the representative of one or more draft-eligible players not yet selected (or discussion with the players themselves) regarding the player’s interest in playing in the League, playing with a particular club or type of…
— Jake Rosenberg (@jakerosenberg33) April 24, 2026 The league confirmed it will review the Steelers' call to Lemon, though it was likely an honest mistake. With Lemon off the board, Pittsburgh selected Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick. The says the Steelers aren't thrilled with how the situation played out. *"Pittsburgh is pissed about this. They feel like Dallas duped them. Especially with the draft being in Pittsburgh, they felt embarrassed on a national stage."* GM Omar Khan on calling WR Makai Lemon and then getting jumped by the :
Q&A
What did the Steelers do wrong during the NFL draft?
The Steelers called Makai Lemon while the Eagles were on the clock, which may violate league rules regarding player communication during the draft.
What are the potential consequences for the Steelers regarding their call to Makai Lemon?
The NFL is reviewing the situation, and the Steelers could face punishment if it's determined they interfered with the Eagles' selection process.
Who did the Steelers select after losing out on Makai Lemon?
After the Eagles drafted Makai Lemon, the Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick.
