The Pittsburgh Steelers were expected to be very busy this offseason once free agency kicked off due to being flush with cap space -- especially compared to the majority of offseasons where they are making several contract adjustments to make extra space. However, the team has been rather quiet after trading for DK Metcalf outside of some smaller signings, which is leaving Steeler Nation wondering what the plan is as they watch the top tier free agents sign with other teams.
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The main concern for the team currently is quarterback, as while they now have two on the roster with the recent signing of Mason Rudolph, they still don't have anyone that would be expected to be the clear Week 1 starter for them in 2025. Whether they end up running it back with Russell Wilson (who isn't waiting for the Steelers as he is meeting with other teams), they bring in the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, or they go a completely different direction, the options aren't looking great at the moment.
Regardless of which option they end up with, this path is likely not feasible for the long-term as jumping from aging veteran to aging veteran on short term deals rarely works out. It is clear that at some point, they will need to search for a younger quarterback, whether that be via the NFL Draft, or some form of trade. The failed selection of Kenny Pickett likely has many within the organization a little gun shy, but they'll likely need to overcome that sooner than later.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, there are a few quarterbacks that the Steelers were rumored to be interested in this coming April, but with them sitting at pick 21 in the first round and this quarterback class being considered to be weaker in terms of early round talent, it has many questioning whether it would be worth doing so this season.
During an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Gerry Dulac discussed the quarterback situation and believes they will attempt to address it this year in the draft at some point.
"They are not stupid," said Dulac. "They know it is time to go back to the draft and find a quarterback. The question is just going to be how high, and is it this year or next year when next year they might have to make a move to move up even higher."
Rich Eisen offered a quick follow up question on who they might be interested in in this year's class.
"I know they like Jaxson Dart, and I know they like Will Howard," explained Dulac.
Both of the quarterbacks Dulac mentions, Jaxson Dart and Will Howard, have a wide range of where they are being projected to be picked. The reason for this is because of the previously mentioned concern around the quality in the top end depth of this quarterback class. That oftentimes can result in mid-round quarterbacks being chosen earlier due to the inflated value of the position. However, getting either of them in the second or third round, may very well be worth the risk.
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Will Howard celebrates during the National Championship.
Should both of them be selected before the Steelers are comfortable taking one of them, the 2026 draft class is expected to have very good depth at the top of the quarterback group with at least a couple elite prospects such as Arch Manning and Nico Iamaleava.
Steelers' Focus On Quarterback Distracting From Need Along Defensive Line
While the Steelers absolutely need to find a solution at quarterback for the 2025 season, and possibly beyond, the need to add talent along the defensive line is just as big. Currently, the Steelers have released Larry Ogunjobi, but have yet to sign any free agents to that group in order to add veteran depth. Options in free agency are quickly drying up with only a few names being left that would be obvious rotation players and/or starters at this point.
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Steelers' Larry Ogunjobi and Cameron Heyward pose during practice.
Should the Steelers completely strike out in free agency in terms of adding a defensive lineman, there is a good chance they will look to double dip in the 2025 NFL Draft at this position. It is already anticipated that the team's first overall pick at 21, the team will be looking to snag a defensive lineman, and there will be plenty to choose from in that range. With the Steelers not having a second round pick, it also wouldn't be surprising to see the team trade back and try to recoup a day two draft pick. Regardless which route they go on acquiring the talent, they need to find a solution upfront on defense.
Do you think the Steelers will look to address the quarterback position on the first two days of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below.
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