Steelers’ Future Strategy Likely Exposed As Organization Targets Franchise QB

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the several needy teams in the NFL when it comes to the quarterback position. This has been the case for several seasons now, but the franchise has been able to get by by signing older veterans as stop-gap players. Pittsburgh has had a different Week 1 starting quarterback for five consecutive seasons, but that trend could break in 2026 as Aaron Rodgers is still deciding on whether or not he wants to return to the Steelers. Either way, the Steelers need to give some answers for what the future plans are at quarterback.

Rodgers could return in 2026, play elsewhere, or retire. Fans are more focused on finding a way to land a franchise player at quarterback for the future however, and unfortunately, it does not seem like the organization has a high chance of doing that through the 2026 NFL Draft. That likely means another season of Rodgers or some other veteran Band-Aid at the quarterback position. The 2027 quarterback class is expected to be loaded, and the Steelers should be looking to land a quarterback in the event. Draft expert Todd McShay spoke about this on a recent episode of The Todd McShay Show.

"We literally were talking to general managers in the league, talking about what's the one position you do look ahead into next year, and it's absolutely factoring into the decisions," McShay said. "There are two organizations out there, everything they've done this offseason, and maybe three, but two that I know definitively, is to get ready for next year because they're gonna get their quarterback next year. Every personnel move they're making right now starting from last year has been for the 2027 class."

The Steelers could absolutely be one of the teams that McShay is speaking on, even if the organization has not gone through a dramatic fire sale in order to gain more draft capital in 2027. Pittsburgh has made it clear it does not want to tank in order to land a franchise quarterback, which means trading up in the 2027 NFL Draft is going to be the franchise's best, most likely move.

There are probably two philosophies when it comes to preparing a franchise to land a franchise quarterback. The Miami Dolphins, for instance, are trying to start from scratch and unloading unnecessary contracts. The franchise signed Malik Willis, but it is no guarantee that he will workout, especially with a ripped apart roster.

The Steelers represent a different philosophy. Pittsburgh still wants to win and compete, and they have done that by addressing several weaknesses on the roster. The roster is arguably much better than it was at this time during the 2025 season, and a lot of players will be back in 2027. The Steelers are rounding out the team and making it the best it can be, and then hopefully inserting a potential franchise quarterback into the lineup in 2027.

Pittsburgh probably won't be selecting near the top of the first round, but the organization has hung onto all of its picks in 2027, which can be used to jump some teams in the draft order. Pittsburgh has also clearly been keeping an eye on the league's compensatory pick formula, and the Steelers should be receiving a pick or two in 2027.

Steelers Must Be Careful With 2027 Draft Class

The 2027 NFL Draft class is going to be an interesting one. Teams have already been scouting a lot of these quarterbacks as at least three of the top names chose to return to school. It is also interesting because the quarterback classes in both 2025 and 2026 have been disappointing, despite there being some preseason hype. 

This 2027 class can fall into the same trap as the classes did in 2025 and 2026, but players like Arch Manning and Dante Moore should give quarterback-needy franchises some hope.

What do you think about McShay's comments? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

#SteelerNation