The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very big draft ahead of themselves in less than a week. Not only is it being hosted in their city for the first time, but the franchise itself is set to have a total of 12 draft picks. The first of those 12 is pick No. 21 overall. While some believe they could draft a quarterback, that now seems like it won’t happen.
According to ESPN insider Brooke Pryor, the Steelers are more likely to take the best player available instead of a quarterback. More specifically, it could be a player from the wide receivers, offensive line, defensive line, or possibly the secondary.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Don’t Need to Draft a Quarterback
GettyQB Aaron Rodgers helped mentor former sixth-round pick Will Howard last season.
Here is what Pryor specifically had to say about the organization not looking to draft a quarterback in the first round:
“Though the Steelers have done their homework on the quarterbacks, including first-round hopeful Ty Simpson, it doesn’t appear they’ll go that way at No. 21. They continue to believe Aaron Rodgers will ultimately return for another season.”
While an Aaron Rodgers return feels increasingly likely, especially with the hiring of his former head coach in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh likely doesn’t need to look for an immediate starter. Furthermore, they already have a developmental prospect on the roster in former national champion Will Howard, along with veteran backup Mason Rudolph.
Another rookie quarterback in the building for the second consecutive year could just cause a logjam in the quarterback room. If Rodgers returns, the Steelers have a clear vision. Rodgers is the future Hall of Famer who can help the team win right now. Rudolph is the capable backup. Then, Howard is possibly the future at the position.
Aaron Rodgers Should Be the Only Answer for the Steelers
GettyAaron Rodgers is the only quarterback in NFL history with at least 400 career touchdown passes and a career passer rating of over 100.
Simply put, Rodgers should be the team’s clear focus at the quarterback position this season. Despite being on the cusp of turning 43 years of age this December and battling a fractured wrist last season, the four-time MVP showed off his greatness in his first season with the Steelers in 2025.
He recorded 25 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions while posting a passer rating of 94.8. While he might not have been his 2011 self, he was still performing like a top-10 quarterback. His efforts paid off as he guided the team to a 10-6 record in his 16 starts and helped the franchise win its first division title in five years.
With McCarthy coming in to replace Mike Tomlin, could Rodgers’ familiarity with McCarthy have a greater impact on the offense? While Rodgers was the starter under McCarthy for 11 seasons in Green Bay (2008-2018), he helped lead the Packers to eight consecutive playoff appearances, five division titles, three NFC Championship games, and a Super Bowl.
Bringing in McCarthy was the right call by the Steelers, given his strong background as an offensive coach and his experience with great quarterbacks, especially Rodgers.
Insider Reveals Steelers’ First-Round Draft Plan Amid Aaron Rodgers Uncertainty