The Pittsburgh Steelers have been on a merry-go-round of quarterbacks since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2022. From Kenny Pickett to Russell Wilson to Aaron Rodgers, they haven’t been able to find a long-term answer to carry the team into the next era.
While signing Rodgers has been a moderate success so far, the 41-year-old is far from being a solution to the stability issue Pittsburgh has faced at the position.
The 2026 NFL Draft is the obvious solution. Halfway through the season, there are already a few quarterback prospects who look ready to take the reins of a professional offense. Oregon’s Dante Moore has emerged as a perfect fit for the Steelers. He would likely be available in the middle of the first round and could slot into Arthur Smith’s system seamlessly. There’s just one problem.
According to recent reports, it’s highly likely that the Oregon quarterback will return to school for another year. If the Steelers’ best option is off the board, they may be forced to dip into the veteran market yet again.
Dante Moore just made Pittsburgh Steelers reconsider 2026 QB plans
When a team is consistently competitive, they rarely get the chance to draft a top quarterback. This is the problem the Steelers have been facing for years. So, when a top-tier prospect is projected to fall to the middle of round one, fans are naturally going to pay attention. Moore had been linked to Pittsburgh in recent mock drafts, with his “poise and arm talent” listed as key attributes.
The fit gave Steelers fans hopes of stability at quarterback and a start to a new phase of the franchise. Unfortunately, it’s looking like drafting Moore won’t be an option. Recent reports indicate that the Oregon QB is expected to return to school for another year. Draft expert Todd McShay recently dropped the news on The McShay Show.
Relaying what a scout told him about the situation, McShay said, “Book it. He’s gonna be back at Oregon next year. They have the resources. The parent, the agent, the coaches are all in lock step on this thing. Dante Moore is gonna be an Oregon Duck next year and be paid handsomely to be that.”
Of course, this isn’t set in stone until prospects officially declare for the draft, but these rumors come as a brutal blow for Steelers fans. College quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are still expected to declare, but they may both be off the board before Pittsburgh is on the clock. Whether they like it or not, the Steelers might be forced to look for another veteran quarterback in free agency.