The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a frustrating team for its fans over the last several seasons. The franchise has seemed to put finding a franchise quarterback by the wayside as the organization has gone after veteran quarterbacks for the last couple of years. Fans know however, that the team has no chance of competing unless it finds its franchise quarterback. That is why the constant mediocrity is frustrating, as it puts Pittsburgh in a less than favorable spot in the draft when it comes to selecting a young quarterback. The franchise is rarely in a spot to do so as it is usually picking around 20th overall.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Owner Art Rooney II on the field at a team practices while having a discussion.
The Steelers are once again out of range to pick a top quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The only quarterback that seems to be a sure thing to go in the first round is Fernando Mendoza, while Ty Simpson is a player that has been mocked to Pittsburgh with the 21st overall pick. That would a risky selection, and it would likely be a reach, and former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn thinks Pittsburgh might be better off waiting until the 2027 NFL Draft.
The former first-round pick spoke on his podcast, 2 Pros And A Cup Of Joe, and he shared that the Steelers can attempt to go on a run with Aaron Rodgers in 2026 and still find a franchise quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft.
"There are so many talented prospects in the 2027 draft at quarterback," Quinn said. "I actually think a team like Pittsburgh could try to make a run, run it back with Rodgers, be a playoff team, and still have the opportunity to trade assets to move up and get one of those guys."
The Steelers running things back with Rodgers seems increasingly more likely. He is weighing the option of retirement, but he could also reunite with his former head coach in Mike McCarthy. Pittsburgh can win some games and try to go on a run and still have the option of drafting a quarterback in 2027, assuming all the quarterbacks who are supposed to be good during the 2026 college football season meet expectations.
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Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin during the College Football Playoff at the end of the 2025 season.
Top quarterbacks in the expected to enter the 2027 NFL Draft include Dante Moore, Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, CJ Carr, LaNorris Sellers, and Jayden Maiava. Those six players could all be first round selections in 2027, and there are other players that could make that leap as well.
Quinn spoke more about Pittsburgh landing its franchise quarterback in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
"Or even have a guy who they value be there somewhere in a mid-round or at 10 maybe, that they really love," Quinn explained. "I'm telling you, Dante Moore, he's going to prove it this next year after he comes back to Oregon. Manning was playing much better football. If CJ Carr does what I think he's going to do, that's three right there. And there's more."
The 2024 NFL Draft had six quarterbacks drafted in the first round, and that can be the case again in 2027. The quarterback prospects have all shown great things so far in their collegiate careers, but they need to continue that during the 2026 season. Other names to keep in mind include Sam Leavitt, John Mateer, Brendan Sorsby, and Darian Mensah.
Steelers Can See A Lot Change Before The 2027 NFL Draft
The quarterback class was supposed to be phenomenal heading into the 2025 college football season, but that didn't pan out as only one quarterback seems to be a guarantee to go in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft as mentioned.
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Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier helps on the sideline after being benched during the 2025 season.
Players like Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Drew Allar didn't play up to their potential, which is something that could occur next season as well.
What do you think Pittsburgh's approach should be when it comes to landing a franchise quarterback? Let us know in the comments below!
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