It has been a while since the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers had a franchise quarterback.
Following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the AFC North franchise has cycled through different QB starters, the last being a watered-down version of future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Steelers to find a potential future QB1, but Pittsburgh reporter Mark Kaboly doesn’t think the team will be going after a quarterback in this year’s draft.
“I find it hard to believe they’re gonna take any quarterback in the draft, Kaboly said in a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan (transcribed by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot).
“You look at next year’s class, you’re looking at a potential six, seven guys in the first round. You should be able to get one of those guys; why would I want to take a Ty Simpson or a mid-level guy [like] Drew Allar when I can just build out the roster more?”
Of all the NFL draft prospects, only Indiana Hoosiers product Fernando Mendoza seems to be the only can’t-miss player in that position.
The Steelers are not getting to Mendoza, who is widely expected to go No. 1 overall, while Pittsburgh will be picking from the No. 21 spot in the first round.
Shoring up other positions of need rather than making a dart throw at QB makes sense for Pittsburgh, which can wait until 2027 to pick a signal-caller, when the likes of Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Trinidad Chambliss are expected to turn pro.
As it stands, the Steelers currently have two quarterbacks with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in the QB room, while Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team (and in the NFL) remains a mystery.
