The Pittsburgh Steelers are figuring out their 2025 season as we speak, and while there is still football left to be played, eyes are also focused on the draft. The offseason will be pivotal for the team as they try to answer some long-term questions.
One of the main questions will surround the quarterback position (once again). Aaron Rodgers has done a fine job of stabilizing the position this year, but that can’t be counted on. Even if he returns for another season, the face of this franchise isn’t on the roster.
However, that doesn’t mean the Steelers have to draft a quarterback next year.
Yes, the best teams draft, develop, and retain their quarterbacks; eventually, this team will have to take another swing at the quarterback position. That said, getting desperate and forcing yourself to take a passer is a mistake.
Just look at Kenny Pickett. While his situation will be different than this incoming class of quarterbacks, it was a situation where the Steelers felt like they had to draft someone at the position. It set this franchise back as he was a colossal bust.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to learn from their mistakes in the draft
This isn’t to say that the Steelers shouldn’t draft a quarterback. If the right opportunity presents itself, by all means, draft your guy. Even with Rodgers here, having a first-round quarterback a season to learn the offense is a smart move.
If the board doesn’t break right and you aren’t confident in what player you are taking in the first round, though, you can’t force yourself to draft a quarterback.
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Right now, it feels like three names are likely first-round picks. Of those three options, only one feels like it's possible without requiring a massive trade-up. That would be Alabama’s Ty Simpson.
This isn’t a scouting report on him, though, and I’ll save that analysis for later. That said, if the Steelers don’t feel like he can be a good starter, or the work that they would have to put in wouldn’t be worth the squeeze, then you can avoid drafting a quarterback this year.
This also goes for the numerous players after Simpson vying to be the fourth quarterback. Simply put, if you don’t think this guy can turn into your starter, don’t bother drafting him.
While everyone has had their hearts set on taking a quarterback in this draft class, Pittsburgh may not be in a position to take one. They have to learn from their Pickett mistake, though. If the right guy isn’t there, Pittsburgh needs to bypass the position in 2026.