Pittsburgh Steelers target rookie Max Iheanachor while weighing trade for veteran tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Nigerian-born offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor arrived in the United States at age 13, began playing football only in junior college, and after three seasons at Arizona State earned second‑team All‑Big 12 honors without allowing a sack in 2025. The team expects him to develop into a starting left tackle, though he is not projected to start immediately.

Ahead of training camp, analysts have suggested the Steelers could bolster their line by trading for veteran left tackle Walker Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Little, a 27‑year‑old with a $14.5 million cap hit in 2026, could fill a temporary vacancy while Iheanachor matures. The proposal faces financial constraints and questions about fit, as the Steelers already have options at left tackle with Broderick Jones returning from injury and veteran Troy Fautanu potentially shifting positions. The trade idea remains speculative as the team evaluates its right‑tackle depth, including players such as Dylan Cook.