The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. Their attempt to replace him with Kenny Pickett failed, and now they are searching for another long-term solution. While veteran quarterbacks past their prime have been temporary fixes, the team is still looking for a definitive answer.
The most likely candidate for their next starting quarterback appears to be Aaron Rodgers. However, ESPN insider Dan Graziano suggests that the Steelers might also target a quarterback early in the draft, regardless of whether they land Rodgers or not.
Steelers Balance Immediate Success With Long-Term Quarterback Investment Strategy
The idea of drafting a quarterback while pursuing Rodgers presents an interesting dynamic. If the Steelers are focused on competing for a championship this year, using a first-round pick on a quarterback may not be the best strategy.
Drafting a young quarterback would be a long-term investment rather than an immediate boost to their Super Bowl aspirations. This move suggests that the Steelers are considering a dual approach—bringing in a veteran to compete now while also preparing for the future.
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)If the Steelers miss out on Rodgers, drafting a quarterback in the first round could become more of a necessity. However, this year’s draft class is not particularly strong at the position. After the top two quarterbacks, there is a noticeable drop in talent, making it risky to select a third- or fourth-best option at pick No. 21.
The team faced a similar dilemma when they selected Pickett in a weak quarterback class, which ultimately led to their current situation. Repeating this mistake could set the franchise back further rather than helping them move forward.
Steelers Weigh Third-Round QB Pick While Planning for Long-Term Stability
Another complicating factor is that the Steelers do not currently have a second-round pick due to the DK Metcalf trade. If they do draft a quarterback, they may have to wait until the third round to do so. This approach carries less risk, as a third-round pick wouldn’t be expected to be an immediate starter.
With their current quarterback depth chart featuring Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, adding a rookie could at least provide developmental potential without the high expectations that come with a first-round selection.
Regardless of their decision this year, the Steelers need to commit to a long-term quarterback plan rather than relying on short-term fixes.
If they decide to take a quarterback in the later rounds, it would still leave them the flexibility to target a higher-tier prospect in the 2026 draft, which is expected to have a stronger quarterback class. Their goal should be to find a sustainable solution rather than continually patching up the position with stopgap options.
