The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been a challenge ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. After a legendary career, Roethlisberger left a significant void, and the Steelers have been searching for a long-term solution ever since. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the team selected Kenny Pickett in the first round, hoping he could step in and become the franchise quarterback. But after just two seasons, Pickett was traded away. Despite high expectations, Pickett wasn’t the answer the Steelers were looking for, and now they are still on the hunt for the quarterback who can lead the team into the future.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields smile during Monday Night Football.
As the 2024 season approached, the Steelers brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom were given the chance to compete for the starting job. When given the opportunity to start, both Wilson and Fields demonstrated a mix of strengths and weaknesses, providing glimpses of what they could offer but also showing areas for improvement. At this point, it seems likely that only one of them will remain with the team moving forward. While both quarterbacks have shown potential, many Steelers fans and analysts believe that Fields will emerge as the starter for the 2025 season. That decision will soon be revealed, and with it, the Steelers' plans for the next chapter of their quarterback search.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the quarterback class is widely regarded as weak, and the Steelers are not expected to take a major risk by selecting one early. Given the lack of standout talent, it’s unlikely they will make a high-stakes gamble in the first few rounds. However, there’s still a possibility that they could target a quarterback later in the draft, especially if they see someone with potential who could develop under the right circumstances.
Steelers insider Mike DeFabo provided some intriguing insights into the most feasible quarterback the team could potentially draft in 2025 in his article for The Athletic on Wednesday. DeFabo’s analysis sheds light on the Steelers’ thinking as they evaluate their options moving forward.
"The most intriguing rookie QB to me, based on potential and draft position, is Louisville’s Tyler Shough," DeFabo said. "He is 25 years old (and will turn 26 during his rookie season), which means he has a ton of experience, but is also closer to his ceiling than others. He brings a 6-foot-5, 224-pound frame and spent last season working with head coach/QB whisperer, Jeff Brohm. If he slides into Day 3 or if Khan can pick up another Day 2 pick somehow, perhaps he’s the one that makes sense if the Steelers are throwing a dart at the board."
Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough is an intriguing prospect for the Steelers. With seven years of experience at the college level, Shough brings a wealth of maturity and knowledge to the table, although his age has led to some concerns about his long-term potential. As a result, he’s seen a drop on many draft boards, which could present the perfect opportunity for Pittsburgh to take a chance on him later in the draft.
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Former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough looks to throw a pass during a home college game.
This wouldn’t be a major gamble for the Steelers, as they will already have their starting quarterback in either Wilson or Fields. Shough is known for his ability as a pocket passer with surprising mobility, offering a nice blend of traditional passing skills with some ability to extend plays. While his age might raise some questions, it wouldn’t be the worst scenario for the Steelers to have two quarterbacks around the same age on their roster.
Steelers Quarterback Room For 2025 Is Set To Be Interesting
In fact, selecting Shough could create an interesting competition in the quarterback room in 2025. With Fields or Wilson as the starter, Shough could develop under their mentorship, and the team would have two quarterbacks with a relatively similar timeline for growth. If the Steelers decide to take a risk on him, it could add a layer of depth to their future quarterback plans, fostering competition and potentially finding the leader they need for the years to come.
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Steelers' Justin Fields arrives at training camp in Latrobe ahead of the 2024 season.
While Shough may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about the Steelers' future quarterback, his experience and potential could make him an intriguing late-round option. If Pittsburgh opts to invest in him, it could lead to an exciting battle for the quarterback spot in the near future, further strengthening the team’s roster as they continue their search for the franchise quarterback who can lead them back to championship contention.
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