The NFL announced two years ago that the 2026 NFL Draft would be hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time ever. Many are hoping that the team gets its franchise quarterback, as it has been a struggle since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021. With a questionable class of quarterbacks, the Steelers could get one of the top prospects, but it's not guaranteed. The quarterbacks in this draft have been lackluster. Whether it's injuries or subpar play, the 2026 quarterback class is set to become one of the most disappointing classes in recent memory.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7672-544x306.jpg "Steelers Omar Khan")
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan hangs out with the fans and signs some autographs at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA during 2023 training camp.
LaNorris Sellers was thought to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft class. His ability to evade sacks is second to none, and he has a rocket for an arm. Like most of the prospects in this draft, however, Sellers has had a disappointing season. Sellers has posted just 2,437 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He's also recorded 270 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
The team only had four wins despite Sellers playing in every game. Those aren't exactly exciting stats for the second-year starter. It was reported on Saturday that Sellers is likely to return to the team for the 2026 season. He will have another year to develop his game and likely be a top prospect in 2027.
Sources: South Carolina star quarterback LaNorris Sellers is nearing a deal to return to the school for his redshirt junior year in 2026. He’s indicated to the staff he’ll be returning. The sides are the expected to finalize a deal soon. pic.twitter.com/mIOodckfMe
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 13, 2025
With Sellers out of the 2026 NFL Draft, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson are two to keep an eye on. Mendoza has been the top quarterback in this year's class as he's in the top five in Heisman voting along with Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, who isn't draft eligible.
Simpson has shown flashes of excellent accuracy, but doesn't process the field as one would hope for a top quarterback prospect. The Steelers also may have been interested in Penn State's Drew Allar at a time, but terrible play and a season-ending injury will likely turn them away.
It appears now the Steelers will likely have to wait another year to draft their franchise quarterback. They are set to have over 10 draft picks so a trade-up is possible, but with plenty of quarterback-needy teams, it's unlikely they find any willing partners.
Michael Hickey / Getty Images
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers looks on during a college game.
Steelers Could Benefit From More Quarterbacks In The 2027 Draft Class
The 2027 draft class is set to be loaded with top quarterback talent. Now that Sellers is joining that group, it is likely that the Steelers will wait until 2027 to try to get their guy, barring a drastic turn of events.
The class is most likely going to consist of Sayin, who is in the top five in Heisman voting this season. Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, and Florida quarterback DJ Lagway are all potentially part of the 2027 picture. The Steelers will be in good hands with a class that features plenty of talent and skill sets.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin talks with Aaron Rodgers before a home game against the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
The Steelers have gone through a quarterback carousel since the soon-to-be Hall of Fame quarterback Roethlisberger retired in 2021. They drafted Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett 20th overall in 2022 and he now sits on his fourth team in two seasons. They signed Mitch Trubisky in hopes of reviving his career, but he is now the Buffalo Bills' backup quarterback behind Josh Allen.
They even acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears for a late-round pick. While Fields showed promise in his six-game audition with the Steelers, posting five touchdowns and only one interception, he also recorded five rushing touchdowns from Pro Football Reference.
He was benched in favor of journeyman Tyrod Taylor. So all of these guys, and no one has stuck yet. Aaron Rodgers has played admirably, but it is unlikely he returns for the 2026 season. The Steelers must take the offensive side of the ball seriously if they want to develop who they think could be their franchise quarterback.
What do you think? Will the Steelers still draft a quarterback in 2026? Will they be able to develop a young quarterback? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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