The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring all options as they search for their next franchise quarterback. This includes meeting with top prospects like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, who had dinner on Tuesday night with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, and QB Coach Tom Arth. The team is also keeping its eyes on the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, but if that doesn’t pan out, they will likely stick with 36-year-old Russell Wilson. The Steelers know the importance of securing a long-term solution at quarterback after letting Justin Fields walk in free agency.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for camp.
In addition to their veteran quarterback options, the Steelers are also considering the upcoming 2025 draft class, despite it being considered weak at the quarterback position. They understand the importance of finding a quarterback who can lead them into the future, and they are leaving no stone unturned. This broad approach reflects the Steelers' commitment to making the right decision for their future, whether that means adding a veteran, developing a young talent, or both. Even if the Steelers bring back Wilson or sign Rodgers, they'll need a young quarterback on the roster.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe on having dinner with #Steelers coach Mike Tomlin last night and possibly playing in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/qLNL9bMVgA
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) March 19, 2025
On Wednesday, Milroe spoke about his dinner with Tomlin, Khan, and Arth after impressing scouts with a 4.37 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. The Crimson Tide prospect shared how the conversation went, adding insight into what the Steelers are looking for in their next quarterback. With all eyes on the future, the Steelers continue to weigh every possible option to find the right fit for their team.
"I remember watching the AFC North and the battles that they had growing up," Milroe said. "So now to have that opportunity to be around Coach Tomlin, I don’t take it lightly at all. If the opportunity presents itself for me to be his quarterback, I will take full advantage of it."
Milroe is a highly intriguing prospect whose draft stock has experienced ups and downs, but it may be rising again after his impressive 4.37 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. While it's still uncertain whether Milroe's skills as a quarterback will translate to the NFL, many teams are captivated by his raw potential and athleticism. This is likely why the Steelers have shown clear interest in him.
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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe shakes hands with a Crimson Tide coach after a big time road win.
If Milroe falls in the draft, the Steelers could potentially land a steal, but if he doesn’t, and they still want to take a chance on him, they need to thoroughly evaluate his game. That’s why the Steelers made it a priority to have an exclusive dinner with Milroe and other Crimson Tide players on Tuesday night.
The Steelers are diligently evaluating Milroe’s potential and how he might fit within their system. Should they decide to take a risk on him, they’ll be well-prepared to make a strategic choice for their future at quarterback. In addition to Milroe, the Steelers have also been linked to several other quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft. One of the most notable names is Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who some pundits predict could be the Steelers’ bold first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Steelers Have To Keep Swinging At The Quarterback Spot
Such a move would undoubtedly stir controversy, as some believe it mirrors the decision to draft Kenny Pickett—reaching for a quarterback in a weak class out of sheer desperation. However, Steelers fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team’s inability to find a long-term solution at quarterback, and many see the only way forward is to continue swinging for the fences. That’s exactly what the Steelers are doing by meeting with prospects and thoroughly scouting every quarterback in this draft class.
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Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe looks on during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Despite the perception of this year’s quarterback class being underwhelming, the Steelers are committed to doing their due diligence. They know that the road to finding a franchise quarterback isn’t easy, and they’re determined to explore every avenue to ensure they make the right decision for the team’s future, no matter how weak the media or analysts believe the class to be.
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