"Wild Card": Steelers Presented With New Opportunity To Find Quarterback Of The Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers have accrued a dozen draft picks to utilize in the 2026 NFL Draft right on the North Shore. The front office has played its cards right by using the compensatory draft formula to its advantage. The formula works by awarding picks to teams that have a net loss of free agents from the previous season when it comes to financials. The Steelers lost more than they gained, and then picks’ values are often determined by the compensation that was given to a lost free agent. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan is known for his ability to use this to the franchise's advantage. 

Khan and his staff planned on potentially using this bounty of picks on the team's future franchise quarterback. Unfortunately for them, the 2026 quarterback draft class didn't turn out as anticipated. However, this collection of draft choices is still extremely valuable and gives Pittsburgh a major level of versatility. 

Khan's efforts earned the front office one third, one fourth, and two sixth-round picks. The Steelers will select 99th overall in the third round, 135th (fourth round), 214th (sixth round), and 216th (sixth round). On an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Brian Batko noted that he believes that the 99th overall pick will be extremely valuable for the team.

"I think that compensatory pick at the end of the third round, as long as the Steelers still have it, is sort of the wild card of all wild cards, and they could use that on pretty much any position and any kind of player; and, I would lump quarterback in there," Batko said. 

The Steelers have a few positions of need that could be picked up in the third round. However, pick 99 is Pittsburgh's third selection within the round. This is where the Steelers could go with a position or player that could throw a curveball into fans' mock drafts. 

This might include the addition of a signal-caller and some competition for current Steelers’ quarterbacks. Another use of this pick could be as a trade piece. Pittsburgh has been speculated to explore trading up, and this selection has trade written all over it because it's extra. Pittsburgh played the game right and got the pucj strategically. Also, the franchise will still have two other choices within the round as well. 

All things are possible, but the idea of adding a passer is intriguing there. The Steelers could end up picking a quarterback with that selection, and that would stun many. Pittsburgh is still waiting to find its player of the future under center.

Aaron Rodgers has been rumored to sign again, and if, or when, he does, the Black and Gold would only be getting a band-aid on the position. The organization could find its next star with this pick or use it as a trade piece. This seemingly normal third-round pick could pay huge dividends for Pittsburgh.

Steelers Should Go With A Quarterback In Third Round

Since the team has three picks in the third round, it would make sense for it to take a gamble on a quarterback there. If the front office is going to go with a gunslinger at all in the 2026 NFL Draft, it should be with the "extra" selection. Pittsburgh has hosted some quarterbacks with its Top 30 visits, but none of them have been huge names and will be likely taken on Saturday. These prospects more than likely will be there at the end of round three.

A potential choice here is Drew Allar out of Penn State. The Steelers want a quarterback who can play in the AFC North and is a physical specimen. A big arm is needed for the cold weather, and mobility will prove to be important. Allar, while being a more raw prospect, has the intangibles that fit that mold. Allar has a big arm and the size to play in the division, and could be a real possibility at pick 99. Anything is possible at the spot.

#SteelerNation