The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation remains murky heading into the 2025 season. All signs are pointing to a deal getting done with Aaron Rodgers, which would make him the short-term starter in Pittsburgh. But even with Rodgers potentially under center, the Steelers' search for a true franchise quarterback is still very much alive. Omar Khan and the front office have done their homework on this year’s draft class, knowing full well that the long-term answer likely isn’t on the current roster.
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Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart celebrates after winning a big time bowl game.
Lately, there's been growing buzz that one of the top quarterbacks—such as Shedeur Sanders—could fall to Pittsburgh at pick 21 in the first round. It's a popular idea among fans hoping the draft board breaks perfectly in the Steelers' favor. But with multiple teams ahead of them desperate for a quarterback, that scenario feels more hopeful than realistic.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly has pushed back on the idea that any of the top three quarterbacks will still be available when the Steelers are on the clock. Despite the optimism surrounding a potential draft-day surprise, the reality is that Pittsburgh would likely need to trade up if they want a shot at a true blue-chip quarterback prospect in 2025.
"Top 3 QBs in the draft will be gone waaaaaay before the Steelers are on the clock at 21, yet we try to convince ourselves they will fall to the Steelers," Kaboly said. "Sorry, don't see it."
The 2025 NFL Draft class is widely considered weak at the quarterback position, but that hasn’t stopped quarterback-needy teams from doing their homework. Cam Ward is expected to be the first quarterback off the board and is almost certainly out of Pittsburgh’s reach. The other two top prospects—Sanders and Jaxson Dart—have drawn significant interest, but according to Kaboly, even Dart may not be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock at pick 21.
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Collegiate quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders speaks to members of the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
The idea of drafting Dart has sparked plenty of debate among Steelers fans. Some view him as a product of a thin quarterback class, benefiting from a lack of elite competition at the position. Comparisons to previous mid-tier prospects have made some fans uneasy about using a first-round pick on him. Still, there are those who see Dart as a legitimate talent worth considering, especially if the Steelers stay put at 21.
Sanders, meanwhile, is viewed as the more promising prospect, but his chances of falling to the Steelers are even slimmer. If Pittsburgh truly wants to land one of the top three quarterbacks in this class, the most realistic path would be trading up in the first round. Standing pat and hoping for a top prospect to fall simply doesn’t seem like a viable strategy in the mind of Kaboly.
Steelers Adding Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Solve The Looming Question
The challenge for Pittsburgh is balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term stability. Adding Rodgers might keep the team afloat in 2025, but it does little to solve the looming question of what happens next. Drafting a quarterback this year—even in a weaker class—would at least signal a commitment to the future. But it also comes with risk. Reaching for the wrong quarterback could set the franchise back even further, especially if they pass on more immediate needs to take a developmental project.
AP Photo / Frank Franklin II
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
Another wrinkle is the Steelers' draft position itself. Picking at 21 means they’re stuck in that uncomfortable middle ground—not high enough to control their own destiny, but not low enough to secure elite talent without aggressive maneuvering. Khan has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past, and if Pittsburgh truly identifies 'their guy' at quarterback, trading up could be back on the table. Otherwise, they may be forced to wait another year, hope for a deeper QB class in 2026, and continue riding the veteran carousel for one more season.
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