The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in quarterback purgatory, and no one knows when they will finally escape. There is no clear-cut answer for the future of the position for the franchise. The 2025 draft class is weak, and the free agents are not much better. Whoever the team signs would most likely be a bridge quarterback so it can try again in 2026. There is one option for a young quarterback with some upside, but it would be a long-term project, and the Steelers may or may not be willing to try that out.
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Patriots' Joe Milton III shakes hands with New England Owner Robert Kraft before a home game.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz came up with a list of one move that each team would probably make. The New England Patriots drafted two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, so they could let a highly-talented project leave for another team.
"There could be interest around the league in [Joe] Milton because of the overall weakness of this year's quarterback draft class," Schatz explained. "The rookie showed promise in Week 18 against the Bills' backups with a 72.4 QBR. If New England can turn three more years of a sixth-round pick into four more years of a third- or fourth-round pick, that's usually going to be a win for a roster. Especially when the only playing time Milton had during the regular season was a finale game against backups because the Patriots already have their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye."
Joe Milton III entered the 2024 NFL Draft as a guy that was loaded with all kinds of talent: elite arm strength along with quality size and speed. The primary problem was his severe lack of mechanics. Normally, that would still be enough to be a first-round pick, but his age caused him to fall hard. Projects can develop with enough time and resources, but teams don't want to spend years developing a guy that was 24 years old on draft day.
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Patriots' Joe Milton III throws the football during a home game in New England.
Milton got his chance to play in Week 18. Even though his Patriots and the Buffalo Bills were both primarily using backups, he was able to show off his skillset. He completed 22/29 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. He also had 16 rushing yards and added a score on the ground. During that game, he showed off his mobility and arm strength while looking poised and collected.
Even in a glorified preseason game like that, Milton proved that he has upside. He just needs time to work on his mechanics and be given the opportunity to grow. That Week 18 game skyrocketed his stock, and the Patriots are expected to get a mid-round pick in a trade involving him if they choose to shop him.
Why The Steelers Should Contemplate Trading For Milton
No matter what route the Steelers take for the quarterback position, they need a backup plan. Even if they were to go against their core values and tank in 2025, there is no guarantee that they can get one of the top passers in the 2026 class. Even if they do, who knows if any of them would develop properly in Pittsburgh?
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Texas QB Arch Manning throws a pass during a home game for the Longhorns.
Instead of putting all their eggs in one basket, the Steelers can try and develop Milton as well. Worst-case scenario, he can be a solid backup option, as he proved that he can at least produce as a spot starter. If they can get him for a fourth fifth-round pick, it may be worth it to take a flier on him and see what he can do.
The Steelers don't have any real long-term options. A 36-year-old Matthew Stafford would be their best addition for right now, but it would help if they developed Milton behind him. Reports say that ownership prefers Russell Wilson over Justin Fields, and Wilson proved to not be a viable option for 2026 and beyond. They need options. Even if Milton is a longshot, it's better than what they have.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly trading for Milton? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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