Steelers Finally Have A Chance To Rectify Massive Mistake That Set The Franchise Back In 2020

The Pittsburgh Steelers are stuck in quarterback purgatory, which is where the franchise has been for the last several seasons. Ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 campaign, the organization has been scrambling to put together temporary fixes at the position, and the fan base is desperate for something that is consistent, providing some semblance of a future at the position. Over the last two seasons, the franchise's solution has been a veteran Band-Aid, and the fan base has grown tired of that fix.

Pittsburgh failed to put together a backup plan for Roethlisberger after he retired, even though the franchise knew the retirement was likely coming for years. Some say it was supposed to be Mason Rudolph, while others were certain Kenny Pickett was the answer. One opportunity the organization passed up on was drafting Jalen Hurts to be Roethlisberger's successor. Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 53rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, while Pittsburgh drafted wide receiver Chase Claypool with the 49th overall pick.

Claypool played well in Pittsburgh for a bit, but the franchise eventually traded him to the Chicago Bears for the 32nd overall pick in 2023. Fans have been upset ever since the receiver was picked over Hurts, but that decision does not look as bad as it used to as the quarterback's play has declined in 2025. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggested in a recent article for ESPN that Philadelphia may look to move on from the quarterback in the near future.

"Some people around the league were starting to think the Eagles might draft a quarterback high in 2026, even before Jalen Hurts' four-interception performance Monday. '[The Eagles] will do to Jalen what they did to Carson Wentz,' one industry source predicted."

The Eagles' offense has struggled in 2025, and Hurts has not looked like the same player he has been in the past. This has forced the organization to consider drafting a quarterback near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, which would give Hurts at least one more season of being the starting quarterback with the Eagles.

Many fans wanted Pittsburgh to draft Hurts in 2020, and former Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick even begged the organization to pick him. Instead, he fell to Philadelphia where he eventually replaced Carson Wentz as the starter. He has had plenty of success as he has been to two Super Bowls, winning one, while also being named Super Bowl MVP. It is important to note that throughout his career, he has always had a loaded roster around him, including a talented defense.

There were certain points of Hurts' career where he looked like he could be the MVP of the league, which made Pittsburgh's decision to draft Claypool even worse. Now the quarterback has come back down to earth, which makes Pittsburgh look less idiotic for the franchise's draft decision back in 2020. The Steelers are still not in a good spot at quarterback, but it is safe to say they did not miss out on some generational type talent.

Steelers Could Pursue Jalen Hurts If Eagles Decide To Part Ways

If Philadelphia decides to pursue a quarterback early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, there is a chance the organization will look to part ways with Hurts. The quarterback is under contract through the 2028 season, but he could be traded earlier than that. The Steelers don't seem to be any closer to figuring out the future of the quarterback position, so pursuing Hurts if a breakup with Philadelphia happens is a reasonable option. 

Fowler suggested that Hurts will be the starter for the Eagles in 2026, so a trade would likely come during the 2027 offseason.

What do you think about Hurts' situation in Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments below!

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