Quarterback purgatory has held the Pittsburgh Steelers back for far too many seasons. And despite Aaron Rodgers’ uncertainty, Omar Khan’s front office must focus on the future. Can Will Howard lead Mike McCarthy’s offense to greener pastures in the upcoming campaigns? Or will the 2026 NFL Draft provide the next offensive cornerstone?
That depends on if Taylen Green is in the picture.
The former Arkansas quarterback is a gem hidden in a talented 2026 prospect pool. His name simply has not been brought into the conversation often enough. A fourth-round draft projection places one of the class’s most dynamic athletes below standouts like Drew Allar and Carson Beck. But with patience and a clear vision, I believe Green can become the missing ingredient Pittsburgh has been craving.
It is hard to overlook him if you know what to search for.
His 6'6" frame and 9 7/8-inch hands fit the mold of a prototypical NFL quarterback. More importantly, it meets the definition of an AFC North quarterback, durable enough to take punishment when necessary. And that is exactly how scouts define Green. A “good attitude” and “really sharp” habits were on full display throughout his collegiate career.
Green earned Freshman All-American accolades after starting 10 games for Boise State in 2022. That experience carried into his tenure at Arkansas, where the former three-star recruit began to shine. In 2024, Green started 13 games for the Razorbacks, leading them to a bowl victory over Texas Tech.
He was named the game’s MVP and carried that momentum forward without looking back. By the end of his collegiate career, he totaled 9,662 passing yards and 59 touchdowns.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot overlook QB Taylen Green during the 2026 NFL Draft
And let’s not forget his impact on the ground. Green recorded 459 carries for 2,403 rushing yards, adding 35 touchdowns with his legs. His 73 carries of ten yards or more are especially noteworthy, particularly for an offense searching for its next evolution.
The dual-threat quarterback is no longer a luxury in the NFL. It is quietly becoming the standard. A passer who can extend plays and create outside of structure keeps defenses guessing and opens up the entire field. When executed properly, it translates to more points on the scoreboard.
That has been Pittsburgh’s Achilles’ heel in recent seasons, and it can be traced back to inconsistent quarterback planning.
Taylen Green could be a solution few are talking about.
Yes, Khan invested in Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But his role remains unclear, leaving the door open for competition.
Green is not a perfect prospect. Like many Day 3 targets, he still needs refinement in his passing mechanics and pocket awareness. However, the upside is undeniable. For a team navigating uncertainty at the position, taking a calculated swing on a player like Green feels like a worthwhile gamble.
The only true certainty is Pittsburgh’s determination to win. And in my eyes, Green is a winner.
Investing in him later in the draft would allow Khan to address other roster needs while still taking a meaningful shot at the future. It may not be the flashiest selection in April, but I am confident that when Green eventually reaches the big stage, he will make his presence felt in a major way.