The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar and uncomfortable position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft — searching for a franchise quarterback. With no clear starter on the roster and Mason Rudolph returning as a stopgap veteran, the urgency to find a long-term solution under center is reaching a boiling point.
Fortunately, the Steelers have done their homework. Pittsburgh met with three of the top five quarterback prospects on NFL Insider's Bucky Brooks' 2025 draft board. It's a sign that the franchise is seriously exploring all avenues.
Those prospects include Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Kyle McCord, each of whom could land in different areas of the draft, providing the Steelers with several options depending on how the board falls.
Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado Buffaloes star and Brooks' No. 1 quarterback prospect, reportedly had an 'impressive' meeting with the Steelers during the pre-draft process. The buzz surrounding Sanders has only intensified, with speculation swirling about a potential trade-up scenario that would allow Pittsburgh to secure his services.
Sanders possesses the accuracy, leadership, and NFL bloodline that could make him a cornerstone for a franchise desperate to reclaim offensive consistency.
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Cam Ward, Bruce’s No. 2-ranked quarterback, is all but off the table. Widely expected to go first overall to the Tennessee Titans, Ward has separated himself from the pack with his arm talent and ability to make plays off-schedule. Jalen Milroe from Alabama was ranked fourth on the list, but he is also generating first-round buzz.
If the Steelers want any chance at landing Sanders or Milroe, they’ll likely need to act at or before pick No. 21.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a shot at every quarterback not named Cam Ward in the NFL Draft
Unfortunately, the Pittsburgh Steelers are without a second-round pick, limiting their flexibility. That makes a blockbuster trade risky, potentially costing them vital draft capital at a time when depth and value are crucial to long-term competitiveness.
That’s where Dart and McCord become intriguing options. Both quarterbacks are projected to fall outside the first round, with some projections pushing them into Day 2 or early Day 3. The Steelers hosted both players for pre-draft visits and could land one with a third-round pick if they fall. These options wouldn’t require mortgaging the future but also come with more developmental risk.
The Steelers’ best-case scenario is to evaluate the board at pick 21 and determine whether any of the top quarterbacks fall into their lap. If not, using that pick to address another need, such as offensive line or cornerback, while hoping for Dart or McCord to slide into their third-round window may be the more prudent move.
Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s ability to land a top-tier quarterback prospect will depend on luck, patience, and roster evaluation. Whether it’s Sanders, Dart, or McCord, the Steelers must find someone who can be the face of the franchise for years to come — and they must do it without betting the house.