The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a tricky position at quarterback. After a season of highs and lows with Russell Wilson as the starter, the team seems to be waiting on the edge of their seats to see if 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers will commit to playing in Pittsburgh. Wilson had his moments but ultimately couldn't help the Steelers compete with the league’s top contenders, which was clear from the losing streak that ended the season. This uncertainty is likely why Pittsburgh is putting so much focus on Rodgers, hoping he can provide the stability and playmaking needed to contend for a Super Bowl.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
Even if the Steelers manage to land Rodgers or are stuck with Wilson for another season, they know they can’t ignore their future at quarterback. The team has been without a long-term plan at the position for several years, relying on short-term solutions that have kept them competitive but not elite. This lack of a definitive future quarterback is one reason they haven’t been able to secure a franchise signal caller in the draft, despite remaining above average as a team.
In his latest mock draft released on Tuesday, NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah predicted the Steelers will make a surprising move at No. 21 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeremiah believes Pittsburgh will select Jaxson Dart, a quarterback who could provide the team with a fresh long-term solution under center. Dart, with his strong skill set and potential, could be the answer the Steelers need to finally secure stability at the position and build a future contender around him for seasons to come.
"The Steelers’ plan at quarterback is not completely clear at the moment," Jeremiah said. "Even if they were to land 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, they would still need a long-term option at the position, so they take another swing here with Dart."
Dart is a very intriguing prospect, and many Steelers fans will inevitably draw comparisons to the rise of Kenny Pickett. While there are similarities, that's not a legitimate reason to avoid drafting him. If that were the case, teams that have struggled at the quarterback position for years would never make any progress. Landing a franchise quarterback through the draft is never easy, but it’s even harder when you don’t take the chance. That’s exactly why the Steelers should heed Jeremiah’s advice and draft Dart if he’s available at No. 21.
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Former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart throws the ball during the 2025 Scouting Combine.
Sure, it’s a risky move, and the Steelers could certainly use help at other positions, particularly along the defensive line. That’s another valid route to take, but sometimes a calculated gamble on a quarterback is the best long-term strategy.
Dart entered the draft with less hype than some of his peers, but as the process has unfolded, his stock has risen significantly. This makes it challenging for the Steelers to get legitimate value for him later in the draft, and taking him at No. 21 might be seen as a reach. Sometimes these gambles pay off, especially when you're desperate for a true franchise quarterback. But much like with Pickett, sometimes they go wrong quickly. Scared money doesn't make money and that's how the Steelers have to approach this draft.
It’s true that drafting Dart at 21 could be considered an overreach, but as history has shown, taking a chance on a quarterback with potential can be the key to transforming a franchise. The Steelers know that, and if Dart is available, they should take the plunge. Sometimes, you have to make bold moves when your future at quarterback is uncertain, and for Pittsburgh, Dart might just be the solution they’ve been searching for.
Steelers Could Have A Shot At Building Long-Term Stability At QB
The Steelers must proceed with caution, as drafting a quarterback can have both positive and negative consequences. If Pittsburgh is truly as high on Dart as some experts suggest, they should take the opportunity to draft him and let him develop behind whichever veteran starts in the 2025 season.
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Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart throws the ball in warmups for a college game in 2024.
The situation at quarterback has been in limbo for years, and it’s clear that something needs to change. Drafting Dart would provide a much-needed chance to secure a young franchise quarterback and finally put an end to the uncertainty that has plagued the position every offseason. At the very least, it gives the Steelers a shot at building long-term stability.
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