The Pittsburgh Steelers let the first week of free agency pass without addressing the quarterback position. With all of the top names off the market, the answer for the 2026 season seems clear—the team is still waiting on Aaron Rodgers. But a long-term option is needed, and building through the NFL Draft is a must.
Unfortunately, the 2026 quarterback class is extremely underwhelming outside of projected No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. But that might not stop the Steelers from selecting a quarterback early this year.
On Tuesday, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reported that the Steelers are hosting Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck for a top-30 pre-draft visit. Along with Beck, Farabaugh reported that the Steelers are using a 30-visit to meet with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson.
Beck is a polarizing prospect with a vast array of opinions from NFL Draft circles. The former Georgia transfer put up respectable numbers for Miami in 2025 and led his team to a berth in the National Championship Game.
But despite his impressive college production, this is hardly the quarterback Steelers fans want the team to draft in 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans wouldn't be thrilled with potential NFL Draft QB Carson Beck
Beck faced scrutiny at Georgia for alleged character issues, some described as 'toxic' behavior—blaming teammates for losses and poor body language—according to a CBS Sports article from January, 2025.
However, even if Beck's character is squeaky clean, there are other reasons fans don't want him on the Steelers.
Beck played six college seasons and produced over 29 total touchdowns just once in his career. It's also worth noting that Beck's inflated production came from playing a whopping 45 games over the past three seasons. His per-game production is underwhelming. Beck averaged just 238 yards per game in 2025.
Beyond the inflated statistical production, Beck has underwhelming tools, including a concerning lack of mobility and below-average arm talent. This has been an even bigger concern since undergoing surgery in 2024 to repair a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL).
Beck was once a promising draft prospect who has become progressively less attractive to NFL teams over the past three seasons. He will turn 24 during his rookie season, and, without much arm talent or mobility to work with, he projects as an NFL backup quarterback.
The one thing Beck does have going for him is his frame. At 6'5'' and 233 pounds with 10-inch hands, Beck looks the part... but looks can be deceiving.
NFL teams have only 30 non-local pre-draft visits, so using one on Carson Beck shows the Steelers are genuinely interested. Beck wouldn't cost Pittsburgh their first-round pick, but the team could consider drafting him with one of its third-round selections.
Adding quarterback depth for a team that has no answer at quarterback isn't a bad philosophy, but it's hard to get too excited about an old QB prospect who has a history of injuries and possible character concerns and who doesn't have loads of physical traits to work with.