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NFL Exec Predicts Steelers Will ‘Draft A Quarterback Fairly High’
An NFL executive thinks the Pittsburgh Steelers will use high draft capital to address quarterback this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in quarterback purgatory with no escape in sight. However, one NFL executive believes he knows how the Steelers will try to get out of it this offseason: Through the 2025 NFL Draft.
Every January, ESPN asks industry sources about several things that could happen in the offseason. As for the Steelers, it’s what will they do at quarterback?
The Steelers only have one quarterback currently signed for the 2025 season in Skylar Thompson, who just signed a future contract last week. The team could also bring back quarterback Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, but one scouting director doesn’t think either are the answer.
“I still think this could go either way,” the scouting director told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “Part of me feels like they bring back Russell Wilson. Either way, I expect them to draft a quarterback fairly high. They need someone who can be the answer long term.”
Wilson will turn 37 next season, and while he began the 2024 season strong, he played a large part in the Steelers 0-5 finish. If the veteran is willing to return to Pittsburgh on a cheap deal, the team would likely entertain a reunion, but that doesn’t feel likely to happen as of now.
If that is true, turning to the NFL Draft could be the next best option with what seems to be an underwhelming group of free agent quarterbacks. This year’s draft is also weaker than recent years, but it never hurts to take a swing on a young player.
Barring an unforeseen trade-up, the Steelers will be out of reach of the top two quarterbacks — Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both players are expected to be top three picks and the Steelers currently own the No. 21 overall selection.
However, outside of Ward and Sanders, it’s fair game. Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ohio State’s Will Howard, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard or Texas’ Quinn Ewers could end up wearing the black and gold next season.
Head coach Mike Tomlin already hinted that the Steelers are confident in finding their next franchise quarterback near the end or outside of the first round.
“Lamar (Jackson) wasn’t taken at the top of the draft,” Tomlin said. “(Jalen) Hurts wasn’t taken in the first round.”
Using a high draft pick on a quarterback this year may not be the best idea with shades of 2022, but taking a mid- to late-round flier on one couldn’t hurt for a team with tons of questions.