The "Steelers Way" used to mean one thing: stability. You knew the roster, you knew the coach, and you definitely knew they weren't going to pull off a blockbuster trade in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon. But honestly, those days are kinda gone. Since Omar Khan took the reins as General Manager, the "Khan Artist" has flipped the script, moving players like chess pieces to rebuild a team that was stuck in neutral.
If you’re asking "who did the Steelers trade?" lately, you've probably noticed it’s a long list. It isn't just about bench warmers anymore. We're talking about starting quarterbacks, Pro Bowl wide receivers, and cornerstones of the defense.
The Shocker: Moving George Pickens to Dallas
Most fans are still processing the May 7, 2025, deal that sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Let’s be real, Pickens was the most talented guy in that room. But the drama was real, too. Khan decided a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder were worth more than the headache. It felt like a gamble at the time. You’ve got a guy who can catch anything, yet you ship him off for draft capital? It shows exactly where this front office is at—they want "Steelers players," not just stars.
The 2025 Blockbuster: Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey
If you thought the Pickens trade was wild, June 30, 2025, was a total fever dream. The Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins—the very team they originally got him from back in 2019. In return? They landed legendary corner Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
People were split. Some felt like trading the heart of the secondary was a mistake. Others saw Ramsey’s veteran presence as the missing link for a Super Bowl run. Basically, the Steelers decided to prioritize shutdown man-coverage over Minkah’s "centerfield" safety style. It was a massive philosophical shift.
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Who Did the Steelers Trade Recently? A Breakdown of the Moves
To keep track of the chaos, you sort of have to look at the timeline. It’s been a revolving door at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
The Diontae Johnson / Donte Jackson Swap
Back in March 2024, the Steelers sent Diontae Johnson and a 7th-round pick to the Carolina Panthers. They got cornerback Donte Jackson and a 6th-rounder in return. Johnson was the team's best route runner, but the relationship had soured. Jackson brought speed to the secondary, even if he wasn't the "lockdown" guy everyone hoped for.
The Kenny Pickett Philadelphia Exit
Kenny Pickett was supposed to be the heir to Big Ben. Instead, he was traded to the Eagles on March 15, 2024. The Steelers moved him and a 4th-round pick for a 3rd-round pick (which became linebacker Payton Wilson) and two 7th-rounders. Pickett reportedly wasn't happy after the team signed Russell Wilson, and Khan didn't hesitate to move him.
Acquiring the Big Guns: Metcalf and Dugger
Not all trades involve sending players away. On March 9, 2025, the Steelers went "all in," trading a 2nd and a 7th to Seattle for DK Metcalf. Then, on October 30, 2025, they snagged safety Kyle Dugger from the Patriots for a 6th-round pick.
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The Quarterback Carousel: Fields and the Jets
Justin Fields’ time in Pittsburgh was a roller coaster. He was originally acquired from the Bears for a conditional 6th-round pick (which stayed a 6th because he didn't hit the 51% snap count threshold). By the time the 2025 season rolled around, Fields was moving again—this time to the New York Jets. It’s wild to think the Steelers went through Pickett, Wilson, and Fields in such a short window, eventually landing on Aaron Rodgers for the 2025 campaign.
What This Means for the 2026 NFL Draft
Because of all these moves—specifically the Pickens trade and the Dugger deal—the Steelers are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with a massive amount of capital. They are slated to have 12 picks. 12! That’s the most they've had since 1992.
Here is what the 2026 stash looks like:
- Round 1: No. 21 overall
- Round 2: Their own
- Round 3: Three picks (Own, via Dallas for Pickens, and a projected compensatory pick)
- Round 4: Two picks (Own and a projected compensatory pick)
- Round 5: Their own
- Round 6: Two picks (Both projected compensatory)
- Round 7: Two picks (Own and via New Orleans/New England)
The compensatory picks are expected thanks to losing guys like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Dan Moore in free agency. It’s a masterclass in roster churn.
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Why Omar Khan Keeps Pulling the Trigger
The old-school Steelers would never have traded a 2nd-round pick for a veteran like DK Metcalf. They wouldn't have moved a superstar like Minkah mid-contract. So why now?
Honestly, the AFC North is a meat grinder. You can’t win 10 games and be happy anymore. The front office realized that being "competitive" isn't the same as being a "contender." By trading away Pickens and Pickett, they cleared out the locker room tension. By bringing in Ramsey and Metcalf, they added "win-now" talent. It's a high-stakes game.
Actionable Insights for Steelers Fans
If you’re trying to keep up with the roster, here’s how to look at the next few months:
- Watch the Draft Board: With 12 picks in 2026, expect the Steelers to be aggressive. They have the ammunition to trade up into the top 10 if a franchise quarterback or a generational tackle starts to slide.
- Cap Space is King: The Steelers are projected to have around $39 million in cap space. This means more trades could be on the horizon as they look to absorb contracts from teams in "rebuild" mode.
- The Rodgers Factor: With Aaron Rodgers as a pending free agent, the quarterback trade market is something to monitor. If they don't re-sign him, do they use those 12 picks to find a rookie, or do they trade for another veteran?
The days of a quiet Pittsburgh offseason are over. Whether you love the moves or hate them, you've gotta admit: it’s never boring in the 412 anymore. Keep an eye on the 3rd-round picks especially—that’s where this team usually finds its future stars, and having three of them is a massive advantage.
To stay ahead of the next big move, monitor the team's transactions page and focus on the "Reserve/Future" signings, like the recent additions of Doug Nester and Brandon Smith. These smaller moves often signal which positions the team feels they need to bolster before the next big trade window opens.