The fan base of the Pittsburgh Steelers is not going to go easy on the organization until consistent winning in the postseason returns to the Steel City. The franchise hasn't prevailed in a playoff game since back in the 2016 season, making it almost a decade since the team was really a threat to win a seventh Lombardi Trophy. To get back on track, it's very likely that a long-term answer at the quarterback position is needed. Unfortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft Class isn't necessarily said to have any so-called studs — besides the projected first overall selection, Fernando Mendoza.
Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza runs with the football after no receivers were open as he competes in a collegiate football game.
The Steelers have consistently been connected to Ty Simpson of Alabama, but he may not be worth the 21st overall pick. General Manager Omar Khan has 12 selections to use, which means he could very easily be active throughout the weekend. However, moving up for a signal-caller in the first round seems unlikely. Due to the class having a poor reputation already, the Steelers using a specific strategy in 2025 free agency to garner compensatory picks for 2026 may backfire.
It is looking as if Khan and co. would be better off having this kind of draft capital in 2027, when the current make-up of that collective looks to be outstanding. Depending on what happens on the trade market and in free agency, Pittsburgh may elect to shift strategies and focus on 2027, as the brass has been very clear about how important it is that the franchise finds a quarterback.
Back in 2025, the Los Angeles Rams made a strategic move to hop all the way out of the first round. This trade with the Atlanta Falcons resulted with the Rams grabbing a 2026 first-rounder and more. The Steelers could eye the same approach to stock up for 2026, and there may be a team considering a jolt up the board. The New York Jets don't just have two first-round picks in 2026, but four selections in the Top 44. Additionally, the franchise possesses three first-rounders in 2027.
New York can't seem to get anything right in recent years, which is why deciding to get back into round one — after already most likely picking second and 16th overall — isn't an unfathomable idea. The Jets will have the opportunity to grab a third player in the Top 21 in this scenario, and the Steelers just may be a wonderful match for New York's front office members.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
This is not a far-fetched possibility, as both the New York Giants and Falcons made it a point to get back into round one after already picking back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Head Coach Aaron Glenn and General Manager Darren Mougey may only have one year left with the Jets to prove that they should remain with the organization, and that could lead to some desperate, but necessary actions in the 2026 offseason.
With three first-round picks projected for 2027, Pittsburgh should pick up the phone immediately if Glenn and co. want to move up from the 33rd or 44th overall picks to take another possible difference-maker as 21. It's hard to imagine that the Steelers will put together a Super Bowl-winning roster in the coming months, even with plenty of cap space and draft capital. The real goal should be to reset and stock up for 2027. That immediately becomes possible if the Jets want to do business.
AP Photo / Adam Hunger
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn speaks to the media after being hired as the franchise's head coach in January of 2025.
Steelers Fans Might Be Slightly Upset At A Trade Back
The 2026 NFL Draft is coming to Pittsburgh for the first time, and that Thursday night will be sure to bring out plenty of emotions from the fan base. The Terrible Towels will be waving, and if Khan decided to move out of the first round, it would kill a lot of the excitement on the North Shore at first. However, if a 2027 first-round pick ends up in the general manager's pocket, the Black and Gold faithful will understand where his mind is and what he has planned for the future.
#SteelerNation