The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to enter the 2025 season with no clear answer as to who their quarterback of the future will be. Unless they reach on a quarterback in the first round or take a flyer on a late-round pick, the depth chart will be headlined by either Mason Rudolph or an aging Aaron Rodgers.
That's not to say that they had many good options this offseason to address the position, but it's hard to look at what they are likely to have as anything other than boring.
One of the only intriguing young QBs rumored to be available this offseason was New England Patriots QB Joe Milton III. He had an electric debut in week 18 of last season, showing promise despite his still raw skillset. Unfortunately, the Steelers were beaten to the punch on acquiring his services.
Pittsburgh Steelers lose out on Joe Milton III after trade to old-rival Dallas Cowboys
The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys agreed to a trade for the raw but electrifying Joe Milton III, with the Patriots picking up a fifth-round pick in exchange for a seventh-round pick and the aforementioned QB.
According to Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz, several teams, including the Steelers, were in on the Tennessee product. The Patriots ultimately sent him to the Cowboys per his preference.
My understanding is since Joe Milton became available at the start of the offseason, teams that showed interest included the Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Steelers and the Cowboys.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 3, 2025
The #Patriots had a better offer for Milton but chose to send him where he wanted out of respect for… https://t.co/kNDFPA4yem pic.twitter.com/iHKhmhRsCv
Could the Steelers have been the team that offered more than the Cowboys? Even if they didn't, it's surprising Milton III would want to play for Dallas over Pittsburgh, considering their respective depth charts.
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If Aaron Rodgers does sign with the Steelers, he may have to be QB3 for his first season, but he would be the only quarterback on the roster heading into 2026.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, have Dak Prescott under contract until 2029, and are paying him $60 million a season as their franchise QB. Unless Dallas plans to move on from him in the next two seasons, Milton III will have no path to playing time outside of an injury.
Even if the chances of him becoming a starting-caliber QB are slim to none, the Steelers missed out on the chance to find out. Hopefully, they can find a talented project of their own to try and develop.