Steelers Send Clear Message On Their Interest In Arch Manning

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to find some answers offensively in their Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Their offensive struggles have been the biggest issue surrounding the team through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season, as they have only put up one offensive touchdown in their games. The biggest reason behind hiring head coach Mike McCarthy was to turn around the offense for the franchise, but that has been met with huge criticism thus far due to the struggles. Following the 2026 campaign, the team will also need to find its long-term answer at quarterback.

With Aaron Rodgers playing in his final NFL season, the Steelers will need to get an answer for 2027 and beyond. The 2026 NFL Draft class was supposed to be deep at the position, but some prospects chose to stay in college. Others, like the Black and Gold's third-round pick Drew Allar, had tough 2025 college campaigns and their draft stock fell.

One name that could be on plenty of radars is Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. He has to lead the number-one-ranked team in a top-25 matchup on Saturday on the road against the Tennessee Volunteers. However, despite the high profile nature of this game, Pittsburgh may have just revealed its level of interest in the 2027 NFL Draft prospect.

According to Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Draft and College Football Analyst, there are 10 teams in attendance for the showdown in Knoxville. He noted that the division rival Cleveland Browns are amongst one of the teams with multiple representatives on-hand. However, his post on his X account does not have the Black and Gold listed as a team there to scout Manning. 

Should they not be interested in the nephew of two former NFL greats, it could have several meanings as to what is on the priority list for next spring's draft. The first possibility is that McCarthy believes in developing Allar and maybe even former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Howard was able to put a staple on his college career as he led them to a National Championship in his final college season.

The other possibility that could come from this is that the franchise will take a look at quarterbacks, but just are not interested in Manning specifically. While the 2026 draft class was expected to be deep and flamed out, 2027 should provide that depth that the one this past spring lacked. There are plenty of other options outside of Manning that could be drafted and developed by the Black and Gold.

Steelers Have Plenty Of Quarterback Options For 2027

One potential option that Pittsburgh could pivot to is Oregon signal-caller Dante Moore. He has posted a completion percentage over 66% throughout his college career. On top of that feat, he has also thrown for over 6,000 yards to go along with 50 touchdowns in a high-powered Ducks offense. However, he could be a top-5 selection, just like Manning.

Moore plays in an offense known for having fast playmakers that can do great work in open space on the field. This makes Moore an excellent candidate if the organization decides to look in another direction for the draft next spring.

Another potential target to look at is Ole Miss Rebels passer Trinidad Chambliss. He is coming off a huge home victory against a top-ranked LSU Tigers team and led the Rebels deep into the College Football Playoff last year, as they fell just short in the semifinals by a score of 31-27 to the Miami Hurricanes. 

He now has them poised to make noise again this season and they are set up to be in great shape to make another deep run in the playoff for his final college season. There are several great options outside of Manning so if this news of them not attending today's game in Knoxville is any indication of their lack of interest, they can pivot and still look to draft a signal caller next spring.

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