The Pittsburgh Steelers have endured a bittersweet offseason marked by high-profile departures and a series of calculated acquisitions. After brief one-year stints with the franchise, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have parted ways, signaling a fresh start in Pittsburgh’s quarterback room.
The first domino fell on March 13 when the Steelers re-signed Mason Rudolph to a two-year, $8 million deal—compensation fit for a backup, not a long-term solution.
Not long after, Pittsburgh pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and later inking him to a four-year, $132 million extension. Metcalf’s addition brings elite talent and flexibility to the offense.
This gives Pittsburgh the luxury to look elsewhere with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—depending, of course, on how the quarterback situation unfolds.
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Later in March, veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers made headlines after an extensive visit with the Steelers’ brass. The meeting sparked hope that Rodgers might bring his championship pedigree to Pittsburgh, but a contract agreement has yet to materialize. His decision—retirement or return—holds immense weight and is stalling the Steelers’ draft strategy.
Without a clear answer, Pittsburgh must prepare for both scenarios.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot fumble the No.21 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
If Rodgers commits to joining the team before the draft, the Steelers could pivot away from quarterback and bolster other areas of the offense. With Metcalf already in the fold, targeting a versatile running back like Omarion Hampton (North Carolina) or Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) could bring fresh legs and immediate production to the backfield. Adding a top-tier offensive lineman is also a viable option to maximize Rodgers’ window.
However, if Rodgers delays his decision or opts to retire, the Steelers will be forced to revisit the quarterback market. Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss is considered a candidate at pick 21, but is he the best move for the future? Colorado State standout Shedeur Sanders has also surfaced as a candidate for the open role.
This does not mean the Steelers must hastily draft a quarterback if the prospects show unreadiness. They could lean into developing Mason Rudolph for a year—accepting potential growing pains in 2025—while looking ahead to the more promising 2026 quarterback class.
In that case, the 21st pick could be exchanged for a playmaker or a foundational piece that contributes immediately while preserving long-term flexibility at quarterback.
The popular projection is that Pittsburgh will draft a quarterback with the 21st pick, but that path isn’t set in stone. The Steelers have more options than most realize, and if they play their cards right—especially with Rodgers—they could build a roster ready to contend now while securing a sustainable future.