The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a tough spot at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger retired from the game. They tried to draft the hometown hero in Kenny Pickett, but after two seasons of underwhelming results and mutual disagreements, Pickett forced his way out of town. The Steelers granted his wish, trading him away before the 2024 season.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin talks with Kenny Pickett before a home game in Pittsburgh.
Turning to Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as affordable options, Pittsburgh avoided committing big money to the position in 2024. However, the 2025 offseason brings tougher decisions, with both quarterbacks expected to demand higher salaries to stay in the Steel City. Complicating matters further, the 2025 NFL Draft class is notably thin at quarterback, especially around the Steelers’ draft position at pick 21. While addressing other pressing needs might make more sense, the uncertainty at quarterback looms large.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently shed light on what league executives believe the Steelers might do. According to Fowler, many executives strongly predict that Pittsburgh could roll the dice on a quarterback early in the 2025 draft, even if it means reaching for a player in a weak class. Such a move would undoubtedly shock fans and analysts alike, but with the stakes high and no clear solution in sight, the Steelers may feel pressure to attempt to secure their quarterback of the future, regardless of risk.
"I still think this could go either way," the scouting director said via Fowler. "Part of me feels like they bring back Russell. Either way, l expect them to draft a quarterback fairly high. They need someone who can be the answer long-term."
With Fields and Wilson both expressing a desire to return, Pittsburgh faces a dilemma: pay to retain one or both quarterbacks or risk a gamble on the draft to find a new face of the franchise. The Steelers' decision will undoubtedly shape their future, leaving fans anxiously speculating about the team’s next move. One of the sources told Fowler that even if the Steelers bring back Wilson, he expects them to take a quarterback fairly high. This 2025 draft is set to be very interesting for the future of the Steelers.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields smile during Monday Night Football.
Wilson and Fields both showed flashes of potential in 2024, but neither fully solidified their status as the long-term answer for Pittsburgh. Fields, with his youth and athleticism, offers a better chance at being the future of the franchise, but skepticism remains about whether the Steelers should commit to him.
On the other hand, investing millions in a 36-year-old Wilson comes with its own set of risks. The Steelers find themselves in a classic case of quarterback limbo, a situation they’re all too aware of. After the five straight losses to finish the season, many fans seem to not want Wilson back for 2025.
Steelers' Omar Khan Might Be Thinking Quarterback Early In The 2025 NFL Draft
This uncertainty is why General Manager Omar Khan might make a surprising move by drafting a quarterback early in 2025. While this year’s quarterback class is weaker than usual, it doesn’t mean the Steelers can’t uncover a hidden gem.
Top prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward will likely be out of reach, forcing Pittsburgh to focus on quarterbacks projected to go later, such as Jalen Milroe, Quinn Ewers, or Jaxson Dart. Of those names, Dart stands out as a sleeper pick. With his impressive production in college as a passer, dual-threat capabilities, and unshakable confidence, Dart could emerge as a steal in the draft.
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Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart throws the ball in warmups for a college game in 2024.
Drafting someone like Milroe or Riley Leonard might not offer much of an upgrade over simply sticking with Fields. However, a player like Dart, who combines strong passing skills with mobility and swagger, might just be the fresh face Pittsburgh needs under center. As the 2025 draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Steelers to see if they take a bold swing at securing their quarterback of the future.
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