The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked plenty of the national media when the organization decided to select defensive lineman Derrick Harmon over quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The local reporters, along with the majority of the fan base, understood, however, that it was necessary to bolster a run defense that had significant issues towards the end of the 2024 campaign. While the franchise remains without a reliable long-term signal-caller, it was the right move for the 2025 team to secure a versatile defender.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
Without a second-round pick, General Manager Omar Khan will now shift focus to the running back, quarterback, cornerback and safety positions. There remains not a single clear answer about the quarterback position in the Steel City moving forward.
It has been expected that the 2026 class for quarterbacks will be a bit stronger, and unless Khan makes a significant move to get back into the top-half of the second round on Friday, whichever player the team drafts will likely be looked at as a backup, rather than someone who can start for a decade or longer. Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough are still available, but it's clear that the organization may be hoping to find the next Ben Roethilisberger in 2026.
Without even knowing it yet, those hypothetical hopes to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft may have gotten a little bit tougher. A shocking trade occurred at the end of round one that saw the Atlanta Falcons jump from the 46th overall selection all the way up to the 26th, which was originally held by the Los Angeles Rams.
Falcons get:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2025
🏈2025 1st-round pick (No. 26)
🏈2025 3rd-round pick
Rams get:
🏈2025 2nd-round pick (No. 46)
🏈2026 1st-round pick
🏈2025 7th-round pick https://t.co/WsQi5tQFpa
The Rams have been involved in rumors regarding Matthew Stafford nearly every offseason the last couple of years, which is certainly warranted due to the veteran being 37 years of age. He may not have that much longer in the NFL before he finally decides to hang up his cleats. He is only under contract through 2026, but has no guaranteed money in the final year of his re-worked deal, per Over The Cap.
This deal between the Falcons and Rams poses a new threat to Pittsburgh. While the 2025 NFL Draft is currently underway, Los Angeles seems to be content with stockpiling picks for 2026. With two first-round selections and three sixth-rounders already in the bank for a year from now, the Rams are positioned perfectly to make a move for a signal-caller.
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Steelers star pass rusher TJ Watt chases down Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during an away game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
It might be way too early to be thinking about the draft in 2026, but it is going to take place in the Steel City. On top of that, it is supposed to be filled with talent at the quarterback position. The Steelers haven't had a season under .500 since 2003, so the odds of the 2025 campaign going so horribly are extremely low, although some fans may accept a terrible season in exchange for better draft positioning and a franchise quarterback.
Los Angeles has been operated extremely well during the Sean McVay era, and it is not a coincidence that the organization was willing to move 20 spots back in the 2025 NFL Draft for a first-round pick next year. The Falcons are coming off of a 8-9 season, but regardless of what happens in 2025, the Rams already have the advantage over the Steelers because of the expected two first-rounders as opposed to Pittsburgh's one.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay stands in front of local and national media while answering questions about his team.
Steelers Won't Admit 2026 Is The Year For Their Quarterback
No one should rule out Pittsburgh drafting a signal-caller in 2025. The team only has two on the roster currently, but traditionally goes to training camp with four. Aaron Rodgers is still delaying his decision, but the franchise must know something that the public does not. Regardless, passing on Sanders and Jaxson Dart at 21 on Thursday evening proves that, internally, the plan is to make a move for a long-term starter in 2026, barring something unforeseen happening over the weekend.
Do you think that the Rams are in a better position than the Steelers to make a move for a quarterback in 2026 after the unexpected trade from Thursday evening? Let us know in the comments below!
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