Steelers Alarmed As Potential Chargers Trade Could Cost Them

The Pittsburgh Steelers have positioned themselves nicely for the 2026 NFL Draft. Not only will the event be held in the Steel City, but General Manager Omar Khan has done an exceptional job of working through free agency and the trade market. The team will not be forced to hone in on one specific position, which opens up several different possibilities. There are, however, some key areas that should be addressed very early on. Two spots in particular that will be interesting to keep an eye on are wide receiver and left guard. The franchise is expected to target prospects that can fill roles for both positions.

The Steelers are going to have 12 total selections for the 2026 NFL Draft. This kind of capital will allow Khan to potentially make a move up the board in the first or second rounds. However, it also gives him leeway to deal a pick or two if there is very valuable 2027 compensation that comes in return. Pittsburgh will certainly have all options open during the event. One of the more challenging things for teams to navigate during any given draft is figuring out if it makes sense to leapfrog another franchise that might be looking for the same prospect or position. This can lead to a domino effect that has serious implications for the future of organizations. The Steelers could have that happen in 2026, with an AFC foe most likely hunting in the same woods.

The Los Angeles Chargers were viewed as being one of the NFL's best teams early on in the 2025 campaign. The season started out for Jim Harbaugh's group with a big win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, injuries really plagued the collective, particularly on the offensive line. There were countless ailments that affected the unit's ability to win consistently, and that eventually led to a first-round postseason exit.

General Manager Joe Hortiz is now tasked with finding a way to keep Justin Herbert upright. ESPN recently reported on just how bad the big men up front were for the signal-caller. It's safe to say that it has to be on the minds of the decision-makers in Los Angeles.

"The Chargers' offensive line was so bad last season that it became a national punchline," Kris Rhim wrote. "Quarterback Justin Herbert was forced to regularly make heroic plays behind the league's worst offensive line -- ranked last in pass block win rate (53.9%) and 31st in run block win rate (68.9%)."

There happens to be a potentially dominant interior lineman coming out of college that might be on the top of a very short list for Harbaugh and Hortiz. Penn State left guard Olaivavega Ioane is going to receive plenty of interest, and just might be a first-round selection, which isn't all that popular considering his position. One issue for Los Angeles is that the Steelers also need to invest in a left guard, and Pittsburgh is slated to pick before the Chargers.

Hortiz and co. are right behind Khan, as the brass out in California is currently expected to have the 22nd overall selection. However, moving up two slots to take Ioane is not something that can be ruled out. It would not cost a lot to convince the Dallas Cowboys to move back just two picks. The Chargers could only have to offer Jerry Jones a mid-rounder or something along those lines.

Steelers And Chargers Might Also Be Targeting The Same Wide Receiver

Similarly to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles could use some help in the pass-catcher department as well. Hortiz would surprise no one if he invested in a wideout come the 22nd overall pick, but moving up to grab one so the Steelers can't take a specific prospect is certainly a possibility. 

Whether it's on the offensive line and Ioane specifically, or a dynamic playmaker who can catch passes, Khan should be very aware that the Chargers are fishing in the same exact pond.