Entering the 2026 offseason, Pittsburgh has arrived at a transitional moment at quarterback, one that invites long-term thinking rather than short-term fixes.
With Mike McCarthy now at the helm and uncertainty surrounding the position beyond the immediate future, Pittsburgh has an opportunity to invest in traits -- and Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green offers some of the most intriguing physical tools in this draft class.
At 6-foot-6, Green is a physically impressive prospect and moves in ways most quarterbacks his size simply can't. During his most recent season at Arkansas, he reached 22 miles per hour on GPS tracking -- an almost unheard-of number for a player of his size at the position.
And that athleticism isn't theoretical -- it shows up in live reps, whether escaping pressure, extending plays, or threatening defenses as a designed runner.
Taylen Green could be a worthwhile gamble for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Green also brings meaningful experience. He’s played a lot of college football, splitting his career between Boise State and Arkansas, totaling 1,381 dropbacks in his four seasons under center. That exposure matters for a developmental quarterback, especially one who will likely spend time learning rather than playing right away. At the Senior Bowl, in a neutral environment, Green looked comfortable operating within structure, throwing on rhythm, and pushing the ball vertically when given clean looks.
For Pittsburgh, the appeal is clear.
Green isn’t expected to hear his name called in the first couple of rounds, but in the late third, fourth-round range, he becomes a fascinating value play. His arm talent, size, and mobility give a coaching staff real clay to work with, and McCarthy has historically shown a willingness to tailor systems around quarterback strengths rather than forcing rigid templates.
If Aaron Rodgers returns for another season, Green would benefit from a redshirt-style developmental path -- time to refine his footwork, tighten his mechanics, and learn how to consistently marry his eyes, feet, and timing in the pocket. If not, Pittsburgh still gains a young talent with unique traits and the ability to grow into a larger role by 2027 and beyond.
Green isn't a finished product, but there’s a reason evaluators keep circling his name. For the Steelers, the Arkansas talent represents a forward-looking investment -- a swing on upside that could pay off in a big way down the line.