Steelers Absolutely Refuse To Follow Browns’ QB Blueprint In 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun planning out their moves for free agency, while also looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The moves made by the team this offseason will undoubtedly have an impact on the draft boards, and there will be a lot of planning done to ensure the roster is in top shape prior to the regular season.

More importantly, the Steelers have to figure out what to do at the quarterback position. They're still waiting to hear about whether or not Aaron Rodgers will re-sign with the team for one more year, but regardless of his plans, it seems like the Steelers could be ready to shock the world during the draft.

There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not Steelers fans even want Rodgers to return for another year. Plenty of people believe that it would be a mistake for the team to bring him back, while others believe he's the best option the Steelers have if they want to compete. No matter what Rodgers decides to do, the organization seems fairly set in their course in the draft, and could be in line to surprise everyone with what they decide to do.

One of the most revealing answers about the Steelers' potential plans in the draft comes from Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was recently asked about what the team's plans could be at quarterback, and his answer shows that the team isn't putting it high on their priority list.

"They do feel that way, which is why, even if [Rodgers] returns, their INTENTION of what they would like to do in the draft is unchanged," Dulac wrote. "They know they can't keep going with a different quarterback every year. The Browns do that."

This sends a clear message that the Steelers could end up drafting a quarterback in the first round of the draft should they like the prospect enough. If Rodgers' presence in the locker room will not change the plans of the team as it pertains to the draft, then it seems possible that they'll be taking a quarterback if they absolutely want one.

The message that having Rodgers might still not change the team's plans at quarterback for the future is a hopeful sign that Steelers fans should get excited about. Rodgers could end up serving as a bridge quarterback to keep the team competitive until the next draft pick, whoever that might be, can be inserted into the starting lineup to continue the team's success.

No matter the case, it will be incredibly important for the franchise to build around whoever the starting quarterback is. If they like one of the top prospects in the draft enough to draft them, then they should be prepared to help build around him. This not only helps the future quarterback, but helps Rodgers now, as his supporting cast was downright abysmal at times during the 2025 NFL season.

Dulac's comment about the Steelers not wanting to go with a different quarterback every year is something that also deserves a mention. Rolling with Rodgers in 2026 indicates that they know they need to keep some stability on the offense, at least until they wind up finding their quarterback of the future, no matter who that is. Even if they want to eventually start someone else in the quarterback room, like someone they draft, then they'll need to ensure the stability continues.

Steelers Need To Continue Stability At Quarterback After Aaron Rodgers Leaves

Should this upcoming season be Rodgers' last season, the team needs to ensure they have their successor to Rodgers already on the roster. It could be a quarterback already on the roster, or someone in this year's draft class that they really like. No matter who it is, the team needs to ensure that the new quarterback is given multiple years as a starter to avoid the situation Dulac described.

What did you think about Dulac's comments regarding the Steelers knowing their plans for the draft regardless of quarterback?

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