Steelers Receive Shocking NFL Draft News That Changes Everything

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing complete uncertainty surrounding their quarterback position for 2026. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers provided the Steelers with efficient play in 2025, leading them to the AFC North title. However, the 42-year-old quarterback's future is unknown. His decision to return to the Steelers last year lasted well into the offseason, and the Steelers have given Rodgers a one-month window to finalize his decision this year. If Rodgers decided to retire or go elsewhere, the Steelers could be left with less-than-ideal options at the quarterback position, but this has suddenly changed.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led his team to one of its best seasons in program history, despite former head coach Lane Kiffin leaving midseason. Chambliss was one of the most explosive players in all of college football. His elite arm strength combined with his mobility in the pocket made Chambliss a true dual-threat quarterback, and as a result, he is one of the highest-rated quarterback prospects in the entire NFL Draft.

However, Chambliss wanted to forgo the NFL Draft and instead, spend another year at Ole Miss. He took the NCAA to court over his eligibility, and the decision went against him.

"The NCAA has denied Ole Miss’ appeal for Trinidad Chambliss’ sixth-year waiver. The NCAA athletics eligibility subcommittee denied the waiver, which was for a medical redshirt, and the school has been informed."

Chambliss' insertion into this year's draft changes everything. While this year's draft class is generally strong, the quarterback position is another story. Heisman winner and National Champion Fernando Mendoza is the consensus number 1 pick for the Las Vegas Raiders; after that, it's much more uncertain. The next quarterback off the board was widely assumed to be Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Moore decided to do what Chambliss attempted to do, and stay another year at Oregon, as opposed to declaring for the NFL Draft.

With Moore out of the picture, the quarterbacks that could be drafted in the first round of this year's event after Mendoza seemed like a stretch at best. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was once considered a first-round prospect, but poor play toward the end of his season tanked his draft stock. With Chambliss back in the fold, the Steelers could realistically take Chambliss in the first round of the draft and have him either sit behind Rodgers for a season, or even as a potential day 1 starter.

Steelers' First-Round Pick Gains Value With Chambliss Possibility

Even if the Steelers decide to go in another direction in the first round, Chambliss on the board adds immense value to their pick. The Steelers currently have the 21st selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and other teams could be interested in Chambliss here if he's still on the board and the Steelers aren't. The Steelers have previously been linked to players such as Washington Huskies receiver Denzel Boston. Chambliss provides upside that few quarterbacks possess at the end of the first round. 

Similar to the Ravens drafting Lamar Jackson with the 32nd pick in the first round, Chambliss offers the upside that could change the direction of the Steelers franchise for years to come.

Chambliss has been compared to players such as Russell Wilson, given his smaller size and explosive play style. He is far from a can't-miss prospect, but his upside alone could be worth a first-round flier. The Steelers also have quarterback Will Howard waiting in the wings. Howard treated the 2025 campaign almost as a redshirt season, sitting back and learning from Rodgers for a full year. The Steelers' quarterback room could very well consist of Rodgers, Chambliss, and Howard next season, and that should leave fans very excited for Steelers football moving forward.

Who do you want the Steelers' quarterback to be next season? Let us know in the comments!

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