In a shocking turn of events, many fans might start paying more attention to the upcoming NFL Draft. Everyone in Pittsburgh has their eyes fixed on Russell Wilson or Justin Fields being the starter next season. They shouldn't write off any options that might be outside the organization. Both free agency and the draft could produce options at quarterback.
Eric Edholm of NFL Network recently published an article that will get Pittsburgh talking. Many don't foresee them taking a quarterback in Round 1, but maybe they would consider it if a top prospect fell to them. Edholm tried to solve which teams were most likely to select Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sanders is the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. He is someone Mike Tomlin would surely love just off his NFL bloodlines. Add that this quarterback prospect has an elite skill set, and the Steelers might have a future franchise guy. Not many have connected Sanders to The Black and Gold, but he is a player who checks off a lot of boxes.
Steelers could shock the world with QB pick in Round 1
On the surface, it makes sense for the Steelers to be interested in any top quarterback coming out of college. If they re-sign Wilson, they should have an understudy behind him like they did this past year with Fields. Having Sanders learn behind Wilson could be a winning situation for the top prospect. Pittsburgh needs a long-term guy at quarterback.
"But why not the Steelers?" Edholm explained. "They’re the best wild-card option right now in my mind, even if it would be a stretch to rank them among the favorites here."
Edholm ranked seven teams as likely spots for Sanders, but Pittsburgh seemed one of the most unlikely. A lot would have to happen for the Steelers to become a realistic location for the big-money talent to go to them in the draft. Unless Omar Khan trades up in the draft, they would need him to slip in the first round, which many don't believe will happen.
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"I would argue there is no guarantee that Sanders can’t slide a bit." Edholm continued. "Even in a draft where he and Ward are viewed as the top two options, QB-needy teams on this list might go for veterans at the position."
Free agency will be the guide when it comes to which teams need quarterbacks by the time the draft rolls around. Most clubs will have players who can start, but some will try their best to land Sanders or Cam Ward. Either prospect could go early in the first round. If clubs sign free agents at will, Ward and Sanders could witness their draft stock stumble.
Too many scenarios would have to play out for the Steelers to take Sanders in Round 1.
Unless the Steelers lose Fields and Wilson during free agency, this idea won't materialize. They would probably sign or trade for a veteran guy like Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford before investing in another weak draft class at quarterback like they did in 2022 with Kenny Pickett. Sanders would be a perfect player to learn behind Wilson, but this is an unlikely scenario.