Makai Lemon Was Nearly a Pittsburgh Steeler

Before the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to make USC prospect Makai Lemon the 20th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the 5'11", 192-pound slot receiver was nearly the selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. With the Cowboys believed to be on the clock ahead of them, the Steelers phoned Lemon to make their intentions known, but unbeknownst to either the team or the player, Philadelphia swapped picks with Dallas, moving up from their original spot at 23 by sending two fourth-round picks to their division rival. The last time the Eagles and Cowboys made a first-round draft trade, Philadelphia moved up to select wide receiver DeVonta Smith, with whom Lemon will now share the field. Fueling the expectation that Philadelphia will say goodbye to three-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown after June 1st, the Eagles acquired Marquise Brown and Dontayvion Wicks through free agency and trade, and they now add additional firepower through the draft with the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner. With Lemon off the board, Pittsburgh used the 21st pick on Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.

Source: Ian Rapoport