The Pittsburgh Steelers moved swiftly to make their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they were unaware the player they targeted had already been selected. Receiver Makai Lemon, whom the Steelers believed would be available at No. 21, was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 20 after a trade-up with the Dallas Cowboys.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Steelers attempted to call Lemon before the Eagles secured his rights. However, their efforts were unsuccessful because Lemon was already in discussions with Philadelphia at the time.
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy may have his former team to thank—or blame—for the missed opportunity. The Cowboys’ trade down allowed the Eagles to move up and select Lemon. Without that trade, the Cowboys would not have been in a position to facilitate the Eagles’ selection.
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