The Pittsburgh Steelers thought during the 2025 NFL Draft that the 2026 NFL Draft would give them a much better shot at finding their QB of the future. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, as the 2025 college football season played out, top QB prospects hurt their stock and the options became even more limited than expected.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
With that being said, many are curious what Pittsburgh will do with 12 picks and still no answer as to if Aaron Rodgers will be their QB for 2026. The uncertainty at the position has only added more pressure on the front office as the draft approaches, with the franchise still searching for long-term stability under center. The Steelers like what they have in Will Howard and Mason Rudolph. However, few have a lot of confidence about those two as starters in the 2026 season.
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy sat down with several members of the Pittsburgh media where he revealed his thoughts on this QB class. He emphasized the importance of fit, development, and conviction when evaluating quarterbacks, making it clear that the organization is still weighing all options as they prepare for a pivotal draft. Perhaps the biggest takeaway was just how much McCarthy likes these QBs.
"I think consistently and obviously over the years in every draft class, particularly quarterbacks, kind of comes to this at this time," McCarthy said while speaking about the quarterback class of the 2026 NFL Draft. "I know it has for me personally. I think you need to decide what you want and what you believe in. What is the direction of your offense? I, as a QB coach, would like to work with any of these guys. I feel that way."
Some of the possibilities being discussed include a bold swing as high as the first round, where Omar Khan and McCarthy could target Alabama prospect Ty Simpson. That move would likely be viewed as incredibly risky given Simpson’s limited track record as a full-time starter, but the upside could make it one of the most intriguing picks in the entire draft if he develops into a franchise quarterback.
Alonzo Adams / Associated Press
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson celebrates during the Crimson Tide’s win over Oklahoma in a College Football Playoff game during the 2025 college season.
Still, many around the league believe Pittsburgh may prefer a more patient approach rather than forcing a first-round decision. In that scenario, the Steelers could look to draft a developmental quarterback later in the class, allowing them to build depth while avoiding the pressure of immediately needing a starter.
Steelers Have Several Possible QBs They May Draft In 2026
Names like Taylen Green, Carson Beck, Drew Allar, Cole Payton, and Garrett Nussmeier have all been floated as potential mid-to-late-round targets who could be molded over time. For a team with 12 picks, the Steelers have the flexibility to take multiple shots at the position and see which prospect emerges as a long-term answer.
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Former North Dakota State University quarterback Cole Payton stands on the field and prepares to throw a football during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
No matter which direction Pittsburgh chooses, the 2026 NFL Draft feels like a defining moment for the franchise’s future at quarterback. With uncertainty still surrounding Rodgers and no clear long-term answer on the roster, the pressure on Khan and McCarthy continues to grow.
Whether they take a bold first-round swing or develop a mid-round project, the Steelers cannot afford to miss again at the position. In a draft class filled with questions instead of certainty, Pittsburgh’s decisions will ultimately shape the next era of Steelers football and determine how quickly they return to true contention.
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