The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan are strategizing to enhance their roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
The team’s primary areas of focus are anticipated to be the offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback positions. Fortunately for the franchise, these positions are some of the strongest in the draft class.
The Steelers have two options: hold their position and observe how the draft progresses, or make a bold move by trading up. If Khan chooses the latter, Pittsburgh could approach the Chicago Bears, a familiar trade partner in need of draft capital.
While the Bears are expected to select quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick, they also possess the ninth overall pick, which might appeal to Pittsburgh, particularly if one of the top three wide receivers falls to that spot.
Pittsburgh has a history of successful trades with the Bears. Khan previously obtained Joey Porter Jr. by trading disgruntled wide receiver Chase Claypool to Chicago for a second-round pick. Furthermore, the Steelers recently acquired quarterback Justin Fields for a sixth-round conditional selection in 2025.
To move up to the ninth spot, Pittsburgh would need to leverage the Bears’ draft capital, as they only have two picks remaining after their top-10 selections. The Steelers, on the other hand, have four selections in the top 100 and two in the third round.
If the Bears prioritize a wide receiver, they may be open to trading down, given the strength of this draft class. Khan and his team have not hosted any first-round wideouts for top-30 visits, suggesting they are relying on someone like Ladd McConkey dropping into the first round.
With Khan’s history of successful trades with the Bears and his willingness to make aggressive moves, the possibility of a trade cannot be discounted. However, considering the team’s multiple needs, a trade down might make more strategic sense. Nonetheless, if a top talent like Nabers becomes available due to a run on quarterbacks, Khan may consider reaching out to his former colleague, Poles, at the Bears.
