Steelers Will Likely Be Missing Out On The Next Ben Roethlisberger In 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation for the 2025 season is shaping up to be intriguing. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both in the mix, Art Rooney II has made it clear that only one is expected to return. Right now, Fields seems to be the fan favorite—he’s younger, cheaper, and has far more long-term upside than Wilson.

The Steelers have also been linked to veteran quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. However, pursuing them would be more complex and risky. There are even rumors suggesting the Steelers could take a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, though the class is considered weak. Given the expected over-drafting, it would likely not make sense for Pittsburgh to go quarterback in Round 1, especially when they’re on the board.

One quarterback likely to be taken early is Miami Hurricanes star Cam Ward. In 2024, Ward impressed with his ability to perform behind a struggling offensive line. His stats were outstanding, earning praise from draft experts, including Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema, who compared him to former Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger. Comparing any young quarterback entering the NFL to the greatest quarterback in Steelers history is a bold statement. However, Sikkema is confident in his assessment and stands by it.

"Ward is an unorthodox gunslinger, and the NFL comparison my mind keeps going back to is Ben Roethlisberger," Sikkema wrote in his article for PFF. "Both had some scoot with their 'escapability,' but you wouldn’t exactly call them mobile. Both were also fearless in pushing the ball deep down the field. It’s a high-end comparison, but I believe Ward sees the game like Big Ben did."

Dave Dameshek floated a wild idea on his podcast, The Shek Show, suggesting that the Steelers are high on Ward. He even proposed that if they like him that much, they should consider trading up in the draft to get him. Of course, moving from the 21st pick into the top five—where Ward is expected to be selected—would be a massive gamble. It would also come at a steep price, likely costing the Steelers key assets.

That said, Pittsburgh hasn’t been a truly competitive team since the Roethlisberger era. Missing out on a quarterback who draws comparisons to him could be a tough pill to swallow. Still, in a weak quarterback class, the Steelers aren’t likely to make a blockbuster trade to move up for Ward. But it’s an intriguing thought—and fun to imagine.

Steelers Have Major Decisions To Make In The 2025 Offseason

The Steelers have some major decisions ahead. In an ideal scenario, they sign Fields to a two-year deal at his market value of around $13 million. This would give Fields the chance to start in 2025 while the team evaluates where they truly stand. If they still can’t win a playoff game, it may finally be time to consider a full-scale rebuild.

Many fans believe the Steelers won’t be true Super Bowl contenders until they find their franchise quarterback. That’s why the idea of trading up for Ward is so exciting. A quarterback room featuring both Fields and Ward would give Pittsburgh the best of both worlds as they search for their future at the position. While it’s unlikely, you never know what could happen when the always-aggressive Omar Khan starts making moves.

Khan has made it clear that he prefers trading up in the draft, rather than moving back. The Steelers are in a desperate spot, and fans have seen them operate a bit differently in recent years. While trading up for Ward seems like a long shot, it might be something Pittsburgh should seriously consider if they want to find their next quarterback quickly.

A Fields against Ward quarterback battle would be exciting and could bring the Steelers closer to a long-term solution. However, making such a move wouldn’t come cheap, and many believe it simply isn’t realistic.

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