The Pittsburgh Steelers need to find their next franchise quarterback, but that is a task that is easier said than done. After Terry Bradshaw retired in 1983, Pittsburgh had to wait until 2004 when the organization drafted Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. That was a 21-year gap, and that is something the fan base does not want to go through again. The Steelers already struck out on one first-round quarterback in Kenny Pickett, but the franchise may have a chance to take a shot on another in 2025.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin watches practice heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Chiefs during the 2024 season.
The Steelers are a complete mystery when it comes to the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A lot of the mystique comes from the outstanding offer the organization has to Aaron Rodgers, although many believe whether he signs or not will have no impact on what the organization does with its selection. Pittsburgh may look to trade back as it was forced to give up its second-round selection in exchange for DK Metcalf, but there is also a chance the Steelers love a prospect and want to move up. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes this is a possibility, which he shared on SportsCenter Monday morning.
"Fact of the matter is, if the Saints like Shedeur Sanders enough to take him at nine, they might have been thinking that way anyway with [Derek] Carr only under contract for one more year," Graziano said. "But it does lead an air of intrigue to this 10 days ahead of time. If Shedeur Sanders does not go at nine, if he's still available at 10 or in the teens, watch out for the Pittsburgh Steelers at 21 for potential to move up. They had him in for a visit late last week. They're still waiting on an answer from Aaron Rodgers to whom they've had an offer out for some time."
In the weeks leading up to the draft, it began to look like a real possibility that Shedeur Sanders would fall to Pittsburgh at 21, but things changed after New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was reported to have a fairly serious shoulder injury. Both sides are still contemplating what to do, with surgery being an option - but it seems like a real possibility that he will miss the entire 2025 season.
New Orleans Saints
Saints quarterback Derek Carr during a home game in Louisiana.
After the news about Carr, the Saints should be considered the biggest threat to Pittsburgh in the quarterback market. They could make a move for Rodgers, or be the reason Sanders doesn't fall to the Steelers if they pick him with the ninth overall selection. Whatever team ends up signing Rodgers will still be in the running for a quarterback in the draft as Rodgers is not viewed as a long-term solution. He's likely to retire after next season.
The Steelers had Sanders in for a visit earlier this month, and he spoke with some media members afterwards. He seemed to be very pleased with his introduction to the organization.
Steelers Could Make An Aggressive Move For Shedeur Sanders
If Sanders can get past New Orleans at the ninth overall pick, there isn't much competition between then and where the Steelers will be making their selection for a quarterback. However, the biggest threat for the Steelers will be either the Cleveland Browns or the New York Giants trading up from the beginning of the second-round to jump them. This is why the Steelers would need to consider moving up in the draft if Sanders begins to slide, especially if they want to keep Sanders from going to Cleveland.
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Former University of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders looking downfield for a receiver.
A trade-up would likely involve trading away a ton of future draft capital. If the Steelers are only looking to move up six picks or so, hopefully the organization can pull something off where no future first-round picks are sacrificed.
What do you think about the Steelers moving up for Sanders? Let us know in the comments below!
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