Steelers finally land franchise QB of the future in ESPN's latest 2025 mock draft

For this year, it looks like the Steelers have their QB situation figured out (more or less). Things looked a little rocky there for a second when Mike Tomlin decided to pull the plug on the Justin Fields experiment, despite the fact that Pittsburgh was, you know, winning most of their games.

But as it turns out, Mike Tomlin continues to be one of – if not the – best coaches in the NFL, and his decision to make Russell Wilson the starter – which, let's remember, was technically the plan on all along – paid off immediately. The Steelers' passing offense looked like an entirely different unit with Wilson in, and a few bumpy performances haven't stopped Pittsburgh from running out to a two-game lead in the AFC North.

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Even the most optimistic Steelers fan knows that Wilson/Fields aren't the longterm answer, though. But don't sweat! ESPN is on the case. In their latest 2025 Mock Draft, they have the Steelers addressing their longterm franchise quarterback needs once and for all. At least, until a new exciting prospect comes along in 3 years.

Steelers take Alabama QB Jalen Milroe with 13th overall pick in ESPN 2025 Mock Draft

"The Steelers' future at quarterback is a big question heading into the offseason, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to be free agents. Either could return, but the Steelers might be searching for a more long-term option. Milroe has a combination of Wilson's arm strength and pocket mobility and Fields' rushing ability. He's still a bit raw as a prospect, but he has thrown 15 touchdown passes and rushed for 17 more scores this season. Milroe just needs to improve his touch as a passer, but scouts I've talked to have said he has the most upside of any draft-eligible quarterback in the class."

Milroe doesn't come with quite the hype that the top of this year's QB class does – he's the 4th taken in this mock – but the idea of getting a relatively polished, pro-ready guy makes all the sense in the world. Plus, if we've learned anything this year it's that as long as the QB is better than Kenny Pickett, Tomlin can make it work. The Steelers don't actually have a single quarterback under contract next year, so this fixes that tiny little problem. Either Milroe comes in and starts immediately, or he sits behind Wilson for a few weeks – both are totally acceptable outcomes. Maybe ESPN's Mock Draft simulator should be the Steelers' next GM?