The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a big-time saga trying to bring the 41-year-old veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Steel City. Rodgers met with the Steelers on Friday and reportedly had a very good meeting. All signs are pointing toward Rodgers being the Steelers' starting quarterback for the 2025 season, as the team looks to make one more serious run at a championship with a future Hall of Famer under center.
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Former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers looks on during a professional football game on the road.
If that happens, the Steelers still need to be thinking about the future of their quarterback position. Every season, they’ve been searching for a young quarterback who could develop into a true franchise leader, but haven’t had much success. That’s why many pundits believe the Steelers will turn to the 2025 NFL Draft, scouting quarterbacks with hopes of finally finding a star, potentially late in the draft.
NFL analyst Louis Riddick went on Get Up on Monday and shared some inside information about one quarterback the Steelers reportedly have their eyes on. While Rodgers might provide stability for now, the front office knows they can’t stop looking for the future face of the franchise. According to Riddick, the Steelers are doing their homework and could be aggressive in targeting a promising young signal-caller in the 2025 NFL Draft.
"Tyler Shough has to be someone that's on their radar," Riddick said. "He's someone who was on their initial top-30 visit list and someone who I know that they're kicking the tires on as they should."
Riddick pointed out that he knows the Steelers have a lot of interest in Tyler Shough. While Shough is flying a bit under the radar in this draft class, it’s not because of a lack of talent — but rather due to his extended college career and the fact that he’s entering the draft at 25 years old.
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Former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough gets ready to throw the football during a home game in college.
Still, what Shough accomplished at Louisville in 2024 has caught the attention of the Steelers’ front office. He showcased impressive arm talent, leadership, and poise, leading the Cardinals to one of their strongest seasons in recent memory. His maturity and experience could make him an ideal fit for a team looking for a polished young quarterback who can develop behind a veteran.
"This young man has got unique qualities that would fit what [Arthur Smith] is trying to do offensively there in Pittsburgh to a tee," Riddick said.
The Steelers have shown a clear pattern of taking chances on quarterbacks with upside, and Shough’s late rise has them intrigued. Riddick made it clear the team is watching him closely, and if the board falls the right way, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh makes an aggressive move to bring him to the Steel City.
Steelers Taking A Shot In The 2025 Draft At QB Shouldn't Be Frowned Upon
A lot has been made about the Steelers' decision to consider drafting a quarterback in the 2025 draft class. Many believe this class is weak, and on paper, it does appear to be one of the thinner groups in recent memory. Still, sometimes when the market looks poor, that’s exactly when you find hidden gems. That’s how the Steelers are approaching it — you never know. A low-risk draft pick on a player like Shough could quietly pay off in a big way down the line.
Louisville Athletics
Tyler Shough after a game with Louisville.
Finding a franchise quarterback is never easy. The Steelers haven’t had much luck in recent years, and the only way to improve at it is to keep swinging. Passing up on potential simply because the class isn’t loaded at the top would be a mistake. That’s why taking a calculated risk on a late-round quarterback with upside makes sense for a team still searching for long-term answers.
Steelers fans will be watching closely to see if Shough ultimately becomes part of that plan. He may not be the flashiest name, but with the right development and the right situation, he could surprise a lot of people — and Pittsburgh knows that sometimes the biggest wins come from the most unexpected places.
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