When the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft, I wanted to believe they had done enough to move the needle at quarterback. Zak Keefer of the New York Times' analysis, however, laid out an undeniable truth — the Steelers' quarterback situation hasn’t improved significantly.
It’s not that the Steelers didn’t try. Will Howard, their sixth-round pick, is a national champion, a confident leader, and someone with a high ceiling. I like the kid. He’s a learner, and from what I’ve seen on and off the field, he brings the right attitude.
But let’s be honest — Howard isn’t walking into training camp as the answer. Not in 2025 or 2026. That's not a knock. It’s the reality of where this team is.
Zak Keefer’s report rightly points out that while Pittsburgh may have shed a flicker of hope with Howard, they’ve also grown more dependent on an entirely different outcome: Aaron Rodgers. According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Rodgers was expected to give the Steelers his decision about joining them 48 hours before the draft.
And here we are, post-draft, still unsure of if he plans on signing.
Aaron Rodgers still holds the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers immediate success
Rodgers has not closed the door. That’s important. But in waiting, the Steelers gave up valuable leverage in any potential talks. They did not draft a quarterback high enough to push Rodgers into urgency, nor did they trade for one.
I believe Pittsburgh may be more confident with behind-the-scenes knowledge. But confidence without clarity is not a strategy; it is a gamble.
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I get why Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin stayed patient. They built a strong roster during the draft. But even the most talented defense and explosive run game can only take a team so far if the quarterback carousel spins out of control again.
Whether Rodgers walks through that door or not, Pittsburgh will have to live with the fact that they left the draft searching for stability under center this campaign. Zak Keefer reminded us of that reality — and I can’t disagree.