Full Breakdown
Eagles Trade Up, Steelers Call Prospect: NFL Draft Phone Call Under Review
4/26/2026, 4:30:48 AM
Draft Night Call Triggers NFL Review
During the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Steelers GM Omar Khan called Makai Lemon while the Eagles were finalizing a trade with the Dallas Cowboys to move from No. 23 to No. 20 and select Lemon. The call came as the Cowboys were on the clock at No. 20 and the Steelers were set to pick at No. 21, prompting the league to announce a post-draft review.
Background & Draft Rules
NFL draft policy bars teams that are not on the clock from contacting prospects in a way that interferes with the team currently selecting. The Steelers’ call to Lemon overlapped with the Eagles’ trade and selection, raising questions about compliance with that rule.
Data & Key Figures
The Eagles moved from No. 23 to No. 20 via a trade with Dallas; the Steelers held No. 21 and selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor as a backup plan. Lemon, a USC wide receiver, won the Biletnikoff Award and posted 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final college season.
Official Statements & Responses
The NFL office replied, “The league reviews all aspects of the Draft the week after its conclusion.” Eagles GM Howie Roseman said, “We just traded up, we’re picking ya! You’re an Eagle! Congrats, brother.” No direct comment from Steelers GM Omar Khan has been released.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Eagles executive Jake Rosenberg argued on X that the Steelers may have violated the draft rule that prohibits teams not on the clock from contacting prospects in a manner that interferes with the team currently selecting. He described the breach as “strange/rare” and suggested it could merit discipline.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Mike Florio described the incident as “an innocent mistake,” while Rosenberg emphasized a possible rule breach. No official determination has been issued, and the league’s review timeline remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Clubs that are not ‘on the clock’ may have discussions with the representative of one or more draft-eligible players not yet selected (or discussion with the players themselves) regarding the player’s interest in playing in the League, playing with a particular club or type of club … so long as these discussions do not interfere with discussions between a player and the club that is ‘on the clock,'” — Jake Rosenberg, former Eagles executive
- “It seemed to be an innocent mistake, and the Eagles likely would have picked Lemon in that spot even if they couldn’t have made the perfunctory phone call before doing so.” — Mike Florio, NFL insider
- “Discipline or not, it is a strange/rare breach of process for a club to put itself in this position,” — Jake Rosenberg, former Eagles executive
- “Philly is taking you right now!” — Lemon’s agent (as heard on draft broadcast)
What’s Next
The NFL has said it will review all aspects of the draft the week after its conclusion. The league’s findings, expected in early May, will determine whether any disciplinary action is taken against the Steelers.
