The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the more complicated quarterback situations in the league over the last several seasons. Prior to the 2022 campaign, the franchise had its quarterback for 18 years in Ben Roethlisberger, and after he retired, it became clear there was no succession plan. Pittsburgh is still feeling the wrath of the lack of preparation for a life after Roethlisberger, as the organization is without a starting quarterback just under two weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin shake hands before an away game.
The Steelers have not been able to find consistency at the quarterback position despite countless efforts. The franchise spent a first-round pick on Kenny Pickett in 2022, tried out a reclamation project by signing Mitch Trubisky during the same season, and had both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields start games for the team in 2024.
It is clear the franchise needs to find some direction at the most important position in sports, and former NFL General Manager Michael Tannenbaum believes the team is heading in the right direction which he said on a recent episode of NFL Live.
"The other thing that Pittsburgh offers for a young quarterback is three huge receivers." Tannenbaum said. "When you think about George Pickens, DK Metcalf, and Pat Freiermuth, those are massive catch radiuses. And for any young quarterback, that's an added bonus. Be it Shedeur Sanders or any other young quarterback, I think Pittsburgh's done a great job setting up a big infrastructure in terms of three big pass catchers.
There have been questions about what Pittsburgh plans to do at quarterback for the 2025 season, and the organization is still waiting for an answer from Aaron Rodgers. Whether he signs or doesn't, it won't eliminate the possibility of the Steelers spending a premium draft pick on the quarterback position.
This could come in the first round or with a trade back that gets the Steelers a second round pick and some additional draft capital, which highlights the importance of making sure the roster is built for a rookie to succeed.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaking to members of the media.
Rodgers is taking his sweet time making a decision on his future, and the Steelers have done some extensive research on a handful of quarterbacks entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Both Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart are two prospects that are expected to go in the first round, and there is a small chance that at least one of them falls to Pittsburgh.
The chances of one of those players ending up in Pittsburgh got reduced on Friday as news broke that Derek Carr could miss the entire 2025 season for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans owns the ninth pick in the draft, and a quarterback could certainly be selected.
Pittsburgh had both Dart and Sanders in for a visit, while Tyler Shough is also a prospect the Steelers have been interested in. He is a likely Day 2 pick, and a trade back could put Pittsburgh in position to draft him.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf during his time playing with the Seattle Seahawks.
Steelers Are Built For A Young Quarterback
Pittsburgh has made all of the necessary moves in order to create an environment for a young quarterback to succeed. The defense is still good, and the offensive line may be inexperienced overall but the unit is certainly heading in the right direction.
In terms of weapons, the Steelers have George Pickens and also acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Those are two of the best wide receivers in the league when it comes to making contested catches, which should play into a young quarterback's favor. Outside of the two receivers, Pittsburgh also has Pat Freiermuth. He isn't a splashy tight end like some other guys around the league, but he is above-average and would be reliable for any quarterback.
Joining a potential rookie quarterback in the backfield would be Jaylen Warren. He is expected to be the leader in the running back rotation, along with Kenneth Gainwell and a potential rookie. Warren is one of the best backs in the league at pass protection, and both he and Gainwell can be game changers catching balls out of the backfield.
Do you think the Steelers are set up for a young quarterback to come in and succeed? Let us know in the comments below!
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