Just when it seemed like the Pittsburgh Steelers would snag wide receiver Makai Lemon, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman pulled a fast one on them.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Roseman traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft, negotiating with the Cowboys and swooping in for players that the Steelers had their sights set on. It was, well, a bit of a surprise move.
Everyone was aware that the Cowboys aimed to bolster their defense with the 20th overall pick, leading the Steelers to believe they had a solid chance at getting Lemon with the 21st pick.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers informed us during the call that Makai Lemon was slated to be their next pick. However, they were unaware that the Eagles were working behind the scenes and had actually traded up, trying to reach Lemon,” Rapoport explained. Apparently, Lemon didn’t respond to the Steelers because he was already on the line with the Eagles. The end result? The Eagles snagged Lemon while the Steelers promptly selected a tackle right after.
This scenario is bound to intensify the rivalry between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ social media team had a little fun with it, sharing a clip of Rapoport’s report on NFL Network, noting: “LOL, let’s go.” They even threw in a reference to the ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs between the Flyers and Penguins.
Lemon described joining the Eagles as a “dream come true” after being chosen 21st overall.
He comes into Philadelphia after a standout junior year at USC, boasting 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns across 12 games.
In the end, Philadelphia traded the 23rd, 114th, and 137th picks to the Cowboys just to clinch that 20th spot.
This strategic move to bring in a wide receiver seems to suggest the Eagles might be planning for a future without AJ Brown, as rumors swirl about a potential trade involving him to the Patriots after June 1st.
