Steelers and Dolphins massive trade proposal for Caleb Downs ignores Pittsburgh safety plan
Bill Barnwell is cooking up some wild trades for the 2026 NFL draft, but his latest idea for the Steelers might be a bit too rich. While a superstar addition sounds great on paper, the front office has already spent the spring loading up on veteran safeties.
Steelers and Dolphins massive trade proposal for Caleb Downs ignores Pittsburgh safety plan originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Bill Barnwell’s proposed trade in a recent ESPN article has the Steelers trading up from 21 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft to Miami at 11 overall .
A bold take within an article meant to propose bold scenarios. His rationale for such a move is to highlight Pittsburgh's assumed desire to move up to get Ohio State superstar Caleb Downs, should the premier safety fall to 11. No one can question Downs' ability, so much so, it would be incredibly odd to see a player of his talent fall that far.
Many have him going to Cincinnati at 8. But even if such a scenario presents itself, the Steelers making a move would ignore the reality that Pittsburgh has already spent the last month aggressively overhauling its secondary with veteran starters. Between signing Jaquan Brisker to a $5.
5 million deal in March, and adding Darnell Savage , and already having Jalen Rams ey and DeShon Elliott under contract for the 2026 season, the Steelers have effectively announced they're set at the position. Downs is a great fit for a defense geared toward versatility Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images But talent is talent. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Gerry Dulac even hinted at the idea of the Steelers trading up for a safety .