“Shouldn’t Be Under The Radar”: Steelers Potentially Eyeing Rookie In Fresh QB Twist

It's hard to predict exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 offseason plans are going to be when it comes to the quarterback position. If Aaron Rodgers decides to return to play in the Steel City, it will be pretty cut and dry without much speculation happening. If, for some reason, the veteran retires or elects to go on and compete for another organization, things could get interesting. Will Howard has consistently been praised by the front office and new coaching regime; however, a sixth-round selection from 2025 cannot be the clear-cut starter right off the bat without having some sort of competition.

It's not helping the franchise that the 2026 NFL Draft class has received plenty of negative reviews. The Steelers got a better look at some of the prospects at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and, with a projected 12 selections, it could make says to take one of the available signal-callers late on the second day, or early on the third, once the event commences in Pittsburgh.

If the brass likes Howard, however, it might not make sense to bring a rookie into the conversation. This is why the looming Rodgers decision is causing plenty of intriguing discussion. It also appears as if almost everyone has forgotten that Mason Rudolph exists ever since the 2025 campaign ended. It appears he will remain a career backup, or perhaps even third-stringer moving forward.

Mike DeFabo co-hosted a recent podcast episode of The Yinziders late on Tuesday evening and talked a little bit about the quarterback position. While he didn't have anything to say that would make fans jump out of their seats with excitement, he provided some clarity about a player that could slowly creep up draft boards and onto the Steelers' draftee list.

"Yeah, I think that seems like a possibility," DeFabo said when asked if the team could draft a signal-caller. "The right guy is there. You know, we haven't really talked about Carson Beck a little it, but I think he had a very good workout, or a good workout [at the NFL Scouting Combine] and is someone that maybe could be — shouldn't be under the radar anymore."

Carson Beck hasn't been looked at as anything other than a career second-string quarterback at the professional level. There is plenty of time for that to change, as not all prospects can be viewed in the same light as someone like Fernando Mendoza. Beck took a University of Miami team to the National Championship in 2025, and experienced plenty of winning throughout his collegiate career. There could be worse guys to have in a locker room.

The reality of the Steelers' quarterback situation is that fans will most likely have to wait until 2027 to experience any true excitement regarding the future. There is always the possibility of a rookie coming out of nowhere or Howard stepping up; however, signs don't really point to either of those scenarios playing out leading up to the 2026 campaign.

Pittsburgh is well aware of its need to establish continuity in the signal-caller room, but it appears the brass is no longer looking to push the envelope if it doesn't need to. Rodgers returning would take a lot of stress off of the group, rather than the four-time MVP retiring and leaving the team and General Manager Omar Khan in a dire situation that could force a rather unnecessary decision on draft weekend.

Steelers Stuck With More Questions Than Answers

The quarterback position is pivotal in the NFL. All fans know that; however, Pittsburgh needs help at wide receiver, on the offense live, and all over the defensive side of the ball. With plenty of cap space and a plethora of draft capital, Khan has an opportunity to revamp the entire operation. Taking someone like Beck in the third round could certainly be viewed as a waste of a pick given his current trajectory.

#SteelerNation