Pittsburgh Steelers’ Team President Art Rooney II made it ‘mostly’ clear this week that the Steelers have to find a quarterback. Not for this year or for next, but for the future. This has echoed sentiments from Mike Tomlin and others in regards to the team. But is it really that simple? Are the Pittsburgh Steelers ‘a quarterback away’ from once again being among the NFL’s elite?
The easy answer is “no.” The Steelers have a highly-paid underachieving defense that still needs help especially along the front line. Their wide receiver room resembles the refrigerator of a broke, single dad. When you open it, there’s a can of Iron City and some mustard that expired four years ago. There are certainly other issues like adding to the running back room and getting this offensive line to gel, but I often wonder… How good would this team be with a Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson as the QB?
It’s fair to say the team would be “better” but I’m not convinced that’s all that this team needs. I have always believed a great QB can elevate everyone around him but those guys don’t grow on trees. Furthermore, I don’t believe there’s one of them in free agency and the Draft isn’t looking so hot either.
Just like 2022, I want to be on the record for saying that I’m very much out on this QB class.
I understand that the Steelers may feel like they have to take someone given their situation. Just please for the love of god…don’t do it in round one.
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) January 29, 2025
It’s true. Talk to any NFL Draft expert and they’ll tell you there isn’t a QB in this cycle that’s going to earn a round one grade. That does NOT mean there won’t be QBs taken in the first because they will and their names are likely to be Cam Ward and/or Shadeur Sanders. If either of those guys were sitting there at 21 would you blame the Steelers for taking them?
I wouldn’t simply because it’s a QB league and you have to have a competent one if you want to do anything beyond having a ‘winning record.’ I’m not suggesting either of those guys or Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart or Will Howard won’t be “that guy” but don’t the Steelers have to take some chances?
Those of you that can recall the 1980’s when it seemed like the Steelers were starting quarterbacks off the street each week also know we passed on guys like Dan Marino. Since then, we’ve also passed on Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts too. Therefore, I can’t blame the Steelers if they draft a QB early in this Draft.
All that said however, there are no guarantees and this is especially true when it comes to finding your quarterback. Even if they do, there are still many other areas this team needs to address in order to be back among the elite.
