The Pittsburgh Steelers face a daunting task as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. The team is without a starting quarterback and hasn't made the choice to sign a veteran or draft a rookie just yet. It seemed that Pittsburgh was willing to wait for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to take his time making a decision about his future, but as the wait has dragged on, the team is considering other options. Shedeur Sanders, who is widely regarded as the number two quarterback in this draft class, recently met with the Steelers for a pre-draft visit. There's been talk of Sanders sliding in the draft, and the Steelers may be able to get Sanders with the 21st overall pick. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports tackled what the Steelers' gameplan should be regarding quarterbacks going into the draft.
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Former University of Colorado quarterback, Shedeur Sanders looking downfield for a receiver.
Benjamin listed every team's best move in the draft between trading up, trading down, or staying put. Benjamin cited the Steelers' need for a starting quarterback as the reason to stay at 21st overall. Despite the teams' other needs, namely the defensive line, Pittsburgh is unlikely to land a franchise quarterback talent with their third-round pick.
"Is Pittsburgh really going to let quarterback go unaddressed until Round 3, when they pick next, if someone like Shedeur Sanders doesn't slide all the way into their lap? They don't have crazy assets to move up anyway."
Some aren't as optimistic that the Steelers' pick is high enough that Sanders will still be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock. Even if they plan to draft a quarterback in the first-round, they may need to move up in the draft. Should they do that, the team would have limited options.
George Pickens has been named as potential trade fodder during the offseason. Although it's unclear how much the Steelers could get for Pickens. The highest assessment of Pickens' value has the Steelers likely getting back a second-round pick for the wide receiver.
Benjamin B. Braun / Post-Gazette
Steelers' George Pickens points for a first down against the New York Jets in Week 7.
The Steelers' bombshell trade to land star wide receiver DK Metcalf made earlier in the offseason cost the team its second-round pick. The Steelers will need a talented quarterback to throw Metcalf the ball if they hope to get a return on their investment. If the Steelers don't make a move to get back into the second-round, it will leave Pittsburgh with little room for error when drafting someone 21st overall. Although Pittsburgh has other needs, such as the defensive line, the quarterback situation will remain the top priority until it is solved.
Steelers Will Have Slim Pickens At QB
This year's quarterback crop is thin, which is why the Steelers may be so willing to wait on a decision from Rodgers, the 41-year-old veteran. The Steelers may also sign someone like Rodgers to a one-year deal, then draft a rookie come 2026.
Other quarterback prospects in this year's draft that could end up with the Steelers include Jaxon Dart and Jalen Milroe. Dart visited Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit, and Milroe met with the Steelers in a private dinner meeting. Both Dart and Milroe are largely considered to be second and third-round-caliber talents. However, given Pittsburgh's dire need for a starting quarterback and slim options, one of the two could make the jump to the first-round to land with the Steelers.
USA Today
Former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart celebrates after winning a big time bowl game.
Recently, New Orleans Saints quarterback, Derek Carr was reported to have an injury that may leave him unable to play for the 2025 season. Given that the Saints pick before the Steelers at ninth overall, it would mean another quarterback-hungry team for Sanders to be drafted by before he could fall to the Steelers.
Despite the Steelers' field of options getting narrower, the situation regarding the team's lack of a quarterback remains unsolved.
Do you think the Steelers should stay put in the draft, or try to move up? How about Pittsburgh drafting a rookie, or signing another veteran? Maybe both? Let us know in the comments below.
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