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Steelers may end up with 4 rostered QBs (but not for the reason fans think)

Things could change in a hurry if a young QB declares.
Brendan Sorsby QB Texas Tech Red Raiders
Brendan Sorsby QB Texas Tech Red Raiders | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If you think the current quarterback situation facing the Pittsburgh Steelers is interesting, it could become even more complicated. The team may choose to carry four quarterbacks on the roster, but there is also a chance they add another option to the mix. Although they just selected Drew Allar in the NFL Draft, an opportunity could still arise during the summer to add another raw prospect.

Embattled Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is currently fighting the NCAA over gambling allegations that could put his final year of eligibility at risk.

If he is unable to resolve the situation, he may choose to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, which prospects must declare for before the June 22 deadline. Sorsby remains an intriguing talent who could draw interest from several teams, including the Steelers.

"I’m going to put Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby squarely in this category because I can’t rule out that the Steelers have it in them to do something bolder than anyone expects," Charles Robinson, a Senior Reporter for Yahoo Sports wrote in a recent article.

Right now, Aaron Rodgers is set as the starter, with Drew Allar appearing to be the only lock to make the roster. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are expected to compete for the backup role and likely the final spot. The team has considered the possibility of keeping four quarterbacks, but that does not necessarily mean either Howard or Rudolph will remain.

Pittsburgh Steelers could target QB Brendan Sorsby if he enters the NFL Supplemental Draft

There is a scenario in which Sorsby wins his case and returns to college football for the upcoming season. That would likely be his best long-term outcome, as a strong year at Texas Tech could significantly boost his draft stock by next spring. If he is unable to overcome these allegations, then Sorsby will have no choice but to enter the NFL ranks at a later stage than expected.

Robinson believes that if the NCAA dismisses Sorsby’s injunction, the Steelers could have a unique opportunity. "If that is what unfolds, it could open up a sizable — if not extremely cautious — opportunity for the Steelers now that they know they’ll need a new starting quarterback in 2027."

It is no secret that this is expected to be Aaron Rodgers’ final season, and the team will be searching for a new starter in 2027.

While next year’s draft class should feature a strong group of quarterbacks, adding Sorsby through the Supplemental Draft could help strengthen the team’s long-term outlook. It would give Pittsburgh three legitimate quarterbacks to develop in Will Howard, Drew Allar, and Brendan Sorsby.

A lot still needs to happen before Sorsby officially declares for the NFL Supplemental Draft. It is uncommon for players who enter that process to find significant success at the next level, but taking a chance on the quarterback could still be worthwhile. Adding Sorsby to the mix would likely lead to Mason Rudolph departing Pittsburgh, leaving three quarterbacks to develop behind Aaron Rodgers.

Taking Brendan Sorsby if he enters the Supplemental Draft could cost anywhere from a second to a sixth-round pick.

He is a raw talent, but he has traits that Mike McCarthy would likely value and want to develop at the next level. The Steelers are unlikely to use an early round selection on Sorsby in this scenario, but if he slips into the middle rounds, they could seriously consider selecting him in the Supplemental Draft.

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