The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lot change when it comes to the roster throughout the 2025 offseason. Most of the moves have had the future in mind, but there are still so many questions about what the long-term plan at the quarterback position is. Some want to see sixth-round pick, Will Howard, get an opportunity at some point, but that may never happen if the team decides to select a signal-caller in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to have 12 picks at his disposal, which could position the franchise perfectly to make a massive move up the board if necessary.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) shakes the hand of Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) as the two congratulate one another on a selection in the team's war room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Having up to 12 picks when the draft is set to be held in Pittsburgh, PA would be extremely exciting for fans, but some of those may end up with another team if the Steelers decide to make a leap up in the first round for a quarterback. A lot can change before next April, but the class coming out is expected to be a little bit stronger than the one that just went through the process in 2025.
One of the biggest names is University of Texas signal-caller, Arch Manning. He needs no introduction because of his family's pedigree, but there are many way-too-early mock drafts that have him being selected first overall. The main problem with that, however, is that there is no guarantee he declares for the NFL Draft in the first place. This is especially possible because of the new era that college football is entering with revenue sharing.
During the SEC Football Media Days, Manning spoke to several reporters and was asked about his future at the college level. According to Brad Crawford of CBS Sports, the quarterback isn't thinking about the NFL just yet.
“I’m really just worried about getting through this interview and then getting through the run tomorrow,” Manning said. “I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day.”
While this is a very reasonable response with it being July, it has to already make fans wonder if Manning could make a decision that could change the landscape of the 2026 NFL Draft. If Manning plays well at Texas in 2025, he could be lauded as the probable first overall pick. His uncles, however, weren't in a rush to leave early, with both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning competing for a full four years before being drafted; and that was before college athletes were being compensated.
Julio Cortez / The Associated Press
Retired Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) sacks former Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during a professional football game in East Rutherford, NJ.
There is no doubt that a domino effect could ensue if Arch Manning decides that he wants to stay and play at Texas in 2026. He won't have to worry about money, so perfecting his craft and making sure he is ready to compete professionally could be important to him. By the time he has to declare, he will know the draft order as well, and that could certainly factor into his decision.
There's a family history involving not wanting to play in a specific place, as Eli Manning refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers and was dealt to the New York Giants back in 2004. Overall, history could slightly repeat itself by Arch Manning remaining in college. If that were to occur, that would be one less top quarterback prospect for teams to go after, and the Steelers could have a tougher time moving up to grab a guy that is desired by the front office.
Pittsburgh will want as little competition as possible. Given the stability that the organization has had, the number one overall pick is likely out of the question. So, Arch Manning declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft is better for the Steelers because that would mean one extra signal-caller would be available in the first round. It's a long look ahead, but Khan and co. need a new franchise quarterback, so it's a situation to keep an eye on.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles as General Manager Omar Khan looks on during a team workout at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Likely To Draft A Quarterback In 2026
Howard is a long shot to sell himself as a franchise signal-caller by the time 2026 rolls around. On top of that, neither Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph are the probable answer for the long-term, so that pretty much guarantees that the organization will select a quarterback when the draft is held in the Steel City. Arch Manning could dictate who the number one overall pick will be, so the Steelers are probably hoping he declares because 2026 is the year to strike with a projected 12 selections.
Do you think that Arch Manning will be the first quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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