Steelers Exposed For Being "Too Concerned With The Trees" As Cleveland Browns Edge Out Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation since the day Ben Roethlisberger retired has yet to be truly solved. Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan have put together makeshift quarterback rooms in recent years as they try to buy time while looking for their next franchise signal-caller. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have taken a more aggressive and varied approach, adding multiple options in hopes of finding the right long-term answer.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. They also traded for former Steelers first-round pick, Kenny Pickett, and brought veteran Joe Flacco into the fold. This collection of quarterbacks gives Cleveland both developmental prospects and proven experience, allowing them to cover both the present and future in one offseason.

NFL analyst Tyler Dunne recently stated that he believes the Browns' quarterback situation is far more promising than the Steelers. He noted that while the Steelers' competitive spirit under Mike Tomlin is admirable, the lack of a long-term vision at quarterback could lead to mediocrity.

"Give me the Cleveland Browns' quarterback plan over the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback plan at this point," Dunne said. "This is quintessential Steelers of, you love it about Mike Tomlin, you want to do everything you can to win in the now. They'll win seven or eight games probably, but it's gonna cost them in the future."

The Steelers appear to be placing their hopes on the 2026 NFL Draft to secure their next franchise quarterback. While that might sound like a long-term plan, it leaves the team without a clear answer for the immediate future in the mind of some -- even though they have Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Skylar Thompson. 

For a franchise that prides itself on competing every season, relying on a patchwork solution at the most important position in football is a risky approach in the mind of Dunne. It is this uncertainty that has fueled debate among analysts and fans about whether Pittsburgh is simply delaying the inevitable, rather than actively solving the problem. 

"They're always not looking at the forest," Dunne told his show. "They're too concerned with the trees. It's admirable; they're gonna fight like hell. But I don't know what the plan is for the Steelers at quarterback, but it ain't good, and it's gonna end in nothing but misery."

In the opinion of Dunne, Cleveland’s willingness to stack multiple quarterback options even at the risk of redundancy puts them in a better position to succeed both now and in the years ahead. For Pittsburgh, the reality is that without a decisive plan, they could end up stuck in a cycle of short-term fixes that never lead to the stability and success they are chasing.

Steelers Appear To Know What They Are Doing At QB

The Steelers had Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in town for the 2024 season. They had opportunities to keep one of them or maybe even both, but Pittsburgh had seen enough. 

They felt that Rodgers gave them the best chance for the 2025 season, and then in the 2026 NFL Draft, they could load up to try and find their next franchise quarterback. It will be interesting to see whether the Browns or Steelers end up having more success with their quarterback strategies. 

The Steelers will be hosting the 2026 Draft. It will take place in the Steel City and could have a movie-style ending as they attempt to select their franchise quarterback in their home city.

Which quarterback situation would you rather have heading into the 2025 season and beyond? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and toss a follow.

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