The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to have an eventful offseason, and it’s crucial they get it right—especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Steelers and Mike Tomlin haven’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season. That’s nearly a decade of playoff failure, and in the Steel City, such a drought is simply unacceptable. It’s even led analysts to question whether the Steelers are still a serious franchise.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a tough game against the Ravens.
This is why the Steelers must make significant moves this offseason. The offense has been their Achilles' heel, likely contributing to their struggles against more competitive teams. The focus starts at quarterback, a position that has sparked plenty of debate. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now free agents, the Steelers must decide which quarterback they want to bring back for the 2025 season.
A decision is expected soon, and Steelers fans will soon know who the starting quarterback is likely to be for 2025. All signs are pointing to Fields as the frontrunner. That doesn’t mean the Steelers won’t take a chance on a quarterback later in the 2025 NFL Draft. Louis Riddick shared some eye-opening information on Get Up on Wednesday about Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith during his conversation with him at the combine, which could influence the decision-making process.
"Does Pittsburgh trade down in the draft and maybe pick up a quarterback here late in the first round?" Riddick asked. "Is a guy like Tyler Shough, is that a guy that would be perfect for this football team? Who has a big arm, lots of mobility. I was talking to Arthur Smith about him at the [NFL] Combine. Keep an eye on this."
Riddick's quote begins by suggesting that Smith has some serious interest in Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough. On the surface, it appears as though Smith might have his sights set on the rising quarterback. However, the most intriguing part of Riddick’s statement comes at the end. He tells Steeler Nation to keep their eyes on this quarterback, leaving fans to wonder if there’s more to this interest than just a casual mention.
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Former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough gets ready to throw the football during a home game in college.
This cryptic ending has sparked speculation that the Steelers could be looking at quarterbacks later in the draft, even if they settle on a starter for 2025. While Fields remains the most likely option, Riddick’s comments imply that the Steelers are not ruling out a potential surprise pick at the quarterback position if the right opportunity arises.
As the Steelers continue to focus on revitalizing their offense, it’s clear that the quarterback position remains a key point of uncertainty. While they seem to be leaning toward Fields, the Steelers have shown in the past that they are not afraid to make bold decisions, especially when it comes to drafting potential franchise quarterbacks. If they feel that Shough, or any other quarterback in the draft, could fit their system, it could set the stage for an unexpected move.
Steelers Could Take A Low-Risk Gamble At Quarterback In The 2025 NFL Draft
This situation feels somewhat similar to what happened with Kenny Pickett, though it occurred much earlier in the draft. The 2022 draft class was considered weak, and the Steelers felt they needed to take a chance on a quarterback. They selected Pickett in the first round with hopes he could become the face of the franchise.
However, after just two seasons, Pickett was traded out of the Steel City, effectively ending that experiment. Now, reports indicate that Smith is reportedly taking a liking to Shough, and Riddick has told the national media to keep an eye on that situation. If Shough, who will soon be a 26-year-old rookie, falls to a spot in the draft that offers good value, the Steelers could consider taking a low-risk gamble on him.
Louisville Athletics
Tyler Shough walks off the football field after an away game with Louisville.
While Shough may not have the same profile as some of the top quarterbacks in the draft, his age and experience could make him an intriguing developmental option. If the Steelers opt to add him, it would signal their intent to build for the long term while potentially providing depth at the quarterback position. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see if they make a surprise move that could reshape their offensive future.
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