Steelers Accused of Preemptive Draft Call to Block Eagles in 2026

Steelers Called Prospect Before Draft Slot in Unusual 2026 Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an unusual preemptive call to receiver Makai Lemon before their draft slot in 2026, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic. The Eagles subsequently traded up to select Lemon at No. 21, one pick before Pittsburgh’s scheduled turn.

Executives Suggest Steelers Have Used This Tactic Before

Multiple unnamed executives told Sando that the Steelers may have employed this strategy previously. One executive explained the rationale:

“They think they are tying up the phone lines so the other team moves on because they can’t get in touch with the player. All it takes is you to call the player, and if another team calls the agent and they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s on the phone with so-and-so,’ now they know who you’re picking.”

Another executive criticized the practice, stating:

“You don’t make the call until you’re on the clock. It’s crazy.”

Former Eagles Executive Calls Move a Rules Violation

Former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg tweeted the day after the draft that the Steelers’ preemptive call violated NFL rules. The league, when asked about the practice, responded:

“The league reviews all aspects of the Draft the week after its conclusion.”

Key Takeaways

• The Steelers called Makai Lemon before their scheduled draft slot in 2026.
• The Eagles traded up to select Lemon at No. 21, one pick before Pittsburgh’s turn.
• Executives suggest the Steelers may have used this tactic before to influence other teams’ draft decisions.
• A former Eagles executive called the move a rules violation, though the NFL stated it reviews all draft aspects post-conclusion.