It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in the quarterback market next year, especially with Aaron Rodgers making it public that 2025 will be his final season. The Steelers signed Rodgers as a one-year stopgap with the hopes of selecting their next franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft, which just so happens to be in Pittsburgh.
But the biggest question is who might they target in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft to be their next signal caller? And who will even be available when they pick?
The Steelers have loaded up on extra draft capital for next year after the George Pickens trade and expected compensatory picks. While those picks won’t be enough to help them move up to No. 1 or No. 2, it should allow them to jump up a few spots for a quarterback they love.
So, what quarterback might that be?
In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft written by Matt Miller of ESPN, the Steelers were projected to select LaNorris Sellers, a massive quarterback prospect from South Carolina. Sellers was the third quarterback drafted (pick No. 16) behind Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Grant Nussemeier (LSU). Here is why Miller believes Sellers could be the pick for Pittsburgh in next year’s draft:
"Aaron Rodgers eventually signed with the Steelers, but all signs indicate it's a one-year arrangement, which makes quarterback Pittsburgh's offseason focus again in 2026. Sellers is one of the nation's most exciting prospects, as he threw for 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions last season while rushing for 674 yards and seven scores. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is big, strong and mobile and could be picked way before this if he cleans up some decision-making mistakes. With two years of eligibility following next season, Sellers is no lock to be in the draft, but his potential excites evaluators."Matt Miller, ESPN
The Pittsburgh Steelers get a true shot at a franchise QB with LaNorris Sellers in this 2026 NFL mock draft
After the failures of Kenny Pickett, you can bet that the Steelers will take a chance on a big, strong-armed quarterback this time around. And Sellers certainly fits that mold. He’s also a plus athlete, which is something Pittsburgh just hasn’t had enough of at the quarterback position, outside of Justin Fields.
Sellers is viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft and is in the conversation to be the potential No. 1 pick with a strong season. But as Miller mentioned, he isn’t a lock to be in next year’s draft because of having multiple years of eligibility left.
However, if the league views Sellers as a lock first-round pick, you can bet that he will declare and enter the draft in 2026. And if that is the case, the Steelers will be among the front-runners to grab this SEC star. Keep an eye on Sellers throughout the college football season as he is one of the few quarterback prospects who could wind up wearing the Black and Gold at this time next year.