Nobody wanted the Pittsburgh Steelers to have to draft another first-round quarterback just three years after busting on Kenny Pickett, but this could be the direction we are headed. In a forgettable quarterback class, many fans and NFL Draft experts would argue to hold off on the quarterback search for one more year. However, selecting a quarterback at pick 21 is very much in play.
Throughout the pre-draft process, the Steelers have been frequently linked to Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and Alabama's Jalen Milroe. But in recent days, a new contender has emerged that could get fans more excited.
On Tuesday, Kay Adams posted of Up & Adams posted the updated odds of the top teams to land Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers now lead the pack with +310 odds, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Steelers were followed closely by the New York Giants (+350) and Cleveland Browns (+360). Still, seeing Pittsburgh with the greatest odds was an interesting sight.
Sanders has been gaining steam in connection with the Steelers after rumors surfaced that the New Orleans Saints aren't interested in selecting him with the 9th overall pick. If Sanders slides past the Saints, a free-fall could ensue that ends with Pittsburgh at pick 21.
The Pittsburgh Steelers set to take stab at QB Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft
Back in January and February, it was a wild thought to believe that Shedeur Sanders would be available with the 21st overall pick in the NFL Draft. Sanders was coming off a phenomenal senior season with the Colorado Buffaloes, in which he threw for 4,134 passing yards to go with 37 touchdowns while completing 74.0 percent of his pass attempts.
Now, as the hours trickle down to the start of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers are suddenly betting favorites to land the polarizing quarterback... and that could be exactly the direction this team goes with pick 21.
While Pittsburgh is also eyeing the defensive line (we see you, Derrick Harmon), they may not pass up the opportunity to land a potential franchise quarterback. Sanders only possesses average size and arm talent, but he's confidence, poise, accuracy, and feel for the game check all of the boxes to be a quality starting quarterback at the next level.
When Aaron Rodgers joined The Pat McAfee Show, the 41-year-old quarterback did not commit to playing football in 2025, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were the last thing on his mind. With Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the only options on the roster, the Steelers seem likely to take a stab at Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft if he falls within range, and the latest odds are all the proof we need.