The Pittsburgh Steelers had many draft experts thinking they might strike early in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a quarterback. The prospect class at the position was relatively weak, but looking back, there were certainly some options the Steelers could have considered. Instead, Pittsburgh waited until the sixth round to select quarterback Will Howard. Howard was seen as a developmental prospect with some upside, particularly if he can refine his arm talent at the NFL level.
Rusty Jones
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.
During the draft, the Steelers passed on polarizing prospect Shedeur Sanders multiple times. The Cleveland Browns ultimately selected Sanders in the fifth round. Since joining the Browns, Sanders has been thrust into an opportunity to play and has performed relatively well, exceeding some expectations for a mid-round pick.
Sanders’ early success has not gone unnoticed. Frank Schwab, a pundit from Yahoo Sports, detailed his belief that a team like the Steelers definitely regrets passing on Sanders. The situation has fueled debate among fans and analysts alike about Pittsburgh’s quarterback strategy and whether they missed a chance to secure a potential contributor earlier in the draft. Actually, in this case, the Steelers could have selected Sanders at incredible value if he continues to play as he has been. However, that's a big if in the NFL.
"How many teams are kicking themselves right now? You're telling me the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't use a Shedeur Sanders right now?" Schwab said Monday while speaking on the Inside Coverage podcast. "He keeps getting better. Better every week."
That’s a very rich sentiment to make at this stage in Sanders’ young career. Schwab believes the Steelers regret passing on Sanders simply because he is watching him improve week-to-week.
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Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws the football during training camp practice.
The quarterback definitely has some swagger and moxie, showing a high level of confidence on the field. However, he also fell in the draft due to concerns about his personality and his ever-polarizing father, Deion Sanders.
Despite this, Sanders has weathered every bit of adversity thrown at him in his own way. Just like his father, he has entered the NFL with confidence, swagger, and personality leading the way. Now, Sanders is working to prove he belongs as a starter in the league.
Steelers Will Have Front-Row Tickets To Watch Shedeur Sanders
The Steelers will have front-row tickets to watch Sanders, as he plays in their division. Pittsburgh didn’t face Sanders in their first matchup, which they won 23-9, but they will likely see him in the remaining divisional game in Cleveland. In that first meeting, the Browns started their other 2025 draft quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, giving Sanders a chance to gain experience while easing into the role.
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Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders scrambles to keep a play alive during a game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
So far, Sanders has completed 52.4% of his passes for 769 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has also contributed on the ground, rushing for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans, though in a losing effort. The NFL world is already starting to hype Sanders, but it’s far too early to crown him.
The Steelers certainly have no regrets just yet, but it’s fair to wonder if that thought might creep into their minds as Sanders continues to develop. Pittsburgh fans may get a much better chance to dissect whether the Steelers truly missed out when they watch Sanders go up against their defense in Cleveland in Week 17. Steeler Nation will hope to shut down the young QB and make sure he doesn't hold up his watch when they face off.
Steelers fans, do you think passing on Shedeur Sanders could come back to haunt Pittsburgh, or is it still too early to worry? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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