The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a massive crossroads, and it's not just at head coach. The future of the quarterback position is also very uncertain, and the class of prospects coming up does not help matters by any means. What was supposed to be a cash crop has suddenly become barren, as only one passer looks like a first-round caliber player, and he's practically a lock to be the first overall pick. Pittsburgh likely does not have nearly enough capital amassed to make that trade up and get the top player in the draft.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrating with a teammate in Indiana's Rose Bowl win over Alabama.
During his weekly Q&A chat, Ray Fittipaldo was asked about what the Steelers should do about this situation. He responded with what he believes the biggest needs are for Pittsburgh.
"Improve the roster while you wait to get the QB in place," Fittipaldo said. "So my three biggest needs are: WR, S and CB. Of course, a lot depends on some of the veterans they have to decide on, but those are my top three needs as of right now."
Instead of taking a not-so-great quarterback and throwing him in a rough situation, Fittipaldo's plan is to build up the rest of the team and go for a much better quarterback class in 2027, when they have a much-improved roster. There are definitely a lot of issues that need to be hammered out, especially with the bunch of aging veterans that will most likely be gone by the new league year.
The Steelers are projected to have 12 total selections, including at least four of them in the first 100 picks. That should put them in a great spot to get a bunch of different players they want at other positions via trade. Outside of the guaranteed Top 10 picks, Pittsburgh could realistically move up in the draft and get whoever it wants at any position it needs outside of quarterback.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan intently making a crucial phone call during the intensity of draft night, coordinating key decisions to shape the future of the franchise.
Wide receiver is a very high priority. There are only two men in that position group that are under contract for 2026, and DK Metcalf has underperformed based on what he was paid for. As of now, that seems to be the most likely pick for what the Steelers will take with their first-round pick, whether they stay put at 21, or move up for a bona fide superstar at the position. They could also easily double up on wideout.
If the Steelers can re-sign Asante Samuel Jr., then cornerback likely won't be a big need for the Steelers. After Darius Slay was released, that position group was electric in the end of 2025 season, and it had quite a bit of depth to it as well. That could be one of the best position groups that Pittsburgh has, and it could be a great way to steal more wins without a top-flight passer.
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Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. during a practice in his first weeks with the organization in 2025.
The safety position is an odd one. Jalen Ramsey did great there at times, but he could be a cap casualty. Kyle Dugger is slated to be a free agent as well, although DeShon Elliott is expected to return after suffering a season-ending injury. Either way, safety could be a good spot to take a Day 2 project with high upside to build for the future.
Steelers Are Loaded With Potential Options
General Manager Omar Khan will have a great opportunity to make sure this team is as perfectly set up as possible for whoever he drafts at quarterback in 2027, as well as setting up his soon-to-be head coach with the best chance to succeed with this potentially stacked roster. The future is now, and it starts with Khan helping lead the charge.
What do you think about the Steelers passing up on quarterback to build for the future? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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