Steelers Could Nab An Explosive QB In The Late Rounds Of 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a very unique situation regarding their quarterback situation. The team awaits a retirement decision from Aaron Rodgers, its starter from 2025. The signal-caller put up solid numbers for Pittsburgh and led it to an AFC North title, but he doesn't help the organization for the long term. The Steelers have plenty of uncertainty revolving around their quarterback room, especially if Rodgers retires. Pittsburgh could look to the draft for talent, and a late-round development pick could challenge the quarterbacks currently on the Steelers roster, like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. 

A late-round pick could compete with Howard as he looks to make his mark heading into his second season. This year's draft is full of developmental quarterbacks as opposed to high-end, NFL-ready talent. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan could take a flier on a quarterback they like in the draft and see if there is anything they can get from the prospect. There is one name that has been floating around as a potential under-the-radar draft choice. 

On the Snap Count podcast with former Steelers Super Bowl champioons Trai Essex and Charlie Batch, the two discussed an intriguing quarterback prospect who could be a sneaky option. 

"I think one of the prospects that showed out in a big way due to his athleticism was Taylen Green, the quarterback for Arkansas. He is a physical specimen. He ran 4.36 [40-yard dash], which is the fastest quarterback time ever. He broad jumped 11'2" and his vertical jump was 40 plus, and he's six foot six," Essex said. "We didn't hear much about him coming into the draft, but he's definitely put himself on the map."

The Steelers could take a chance on the quarterback who displayed record-breaking athleticism at this year's combine. The Arkansas product is ranked sixth on Mel Kiper's NFL Draft Big Board based on his big arm and mobility, and could be a very real option for the Steelers, who own over 10 draft picks, currently.  

The athletic quarterback spent three years at Boise State, where he showed his ability to be a very talented dual-threat quarterback, before transferring to Arkansas. While in Fayetteville, Green put up 5,868 passing yards with 34 passing touchdowns in his two years there. However, what really springs off the stat sheet is his rushing ability. As a Razorback, he rushed for 1,379 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. 

The quarterback averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 55.2 rushing yards per game. This rare athletic ability could be a reason for Pittsburgh to look into the young quarterback. He could be a very productive developmental piece as a thrower. 

The legs are there and could make him a roster candidate for any team that wants to run RPOs or QB run plays. Green could be a piece that expands the playbook for Head Coach Mike McCarthy as he could implement Green into the offense as a runner or a decoy for defenses. 

Steelers Need To Give Will Howard Competition If Rodgers Retires

The Steelers are awaiting the decision from their 21-year-old veteran on whether or not he'll play football. Even if he does come back, it's not necessarily a guarantee he ends up a Steeler, per se. If Rodgers decides to retire or move on, it leaves Howard and Rudolph on the roster. 

The Steelers need to give their young quarterback, Howard, some competition to keep him sharp. It would benefit the young quarterback to be under pressure, as there are high expectations for the quarterback despite the fact that he has never played an NFL snap. 

The Steelers would need depth, too, as the team would be left with only two quarterbacks. This gives the Steelers another young option to pair with their veteran backup, Rudolph, and allows for versatility when making a decision on who plays under center. The Steelers would benefit from drafting a young piece in this year's draft, and a player like Green has the intangibles to be an intriguing prospect. 

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