PITTSBURGH — While the Pittsburgh Steelers are wholly unlikely to trade up to the top spots in the 2025 NFL Draft, one analyst believes that the Steelers are still in the running for one of the top quarterbacks available.
Despite the likelihood that both of the top quarterbacks are to go in the top five to seven picks, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm listed the Steelers as one of the top seven teams that could land Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“But why not the Steelers? They’re the best wild-card option right now in my mind, even if it would be a stretch to rank them among the favorites here.” Edholm wrote. “There’s very little clarity on Russell Wilson’s status currently, even as he’s campaigned to return to Pittsburgh. Like Wilson, Justin Fields is a free agent — and the Steelers benched him for Wilson. They might want to work with Fields again, but would they bring him back as an unchallenged starter? Perhaps not.”
Edholm would then go on to address the possibilities of how they could land Sanders.
“At this moment, it feels like the Steelers are too far removed from the action, sitting with the 21st overall pick, to make a play for Sanders.” Edholm wrote. “But I would argue there is no guarantee that Sanders can’t slide a bit. Even in a draft where he and Ward are viewed as the top two options, QB-needy teams on this list might go for veterans at the position, pursuing players such as Sam Darnold, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers or Wilson.”
At this point, it seems extremely unlikely that the Steelers will be making any sort of significant move to land either of the top quarterbacks in this class, especially in a year where none seem like they are near a “sure thing”. For better or worse, they will likely sign a free agent quarterback to a short-term deal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a pivotal juncture as they contemplate the future of their quarterback position. With veteran quarterback Russell Wilson expressing his intention to remain with the team for the upcoming season, despite recent speculation about his future and potential retirement, the Steelers face a critical decision: continue with the seasoned Wilson or pursue a promising talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. One name that has surfaced in discussions is Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from the University of Colorado and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders: A Rising Star
Shedeur Sanders has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season, he led the Big 12 Conference with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdown passes, showcasing exceptional poise, accuracy, and football intelligence. His performance has drawn comparisons to elite quarterbacks, and his potential transition to the NFL is highly anticipated.
The Steelers’ Quarterback Conundrum
Russell Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with the Steelers, initially served as a backup before taking over as the starting quarterback and leading the team to the playoffs. Despite a mid-season surge, the Steelers ended their campaign with a five-game losing streak, including a wild card round exit. Wilson’s performance was inconsistent, with strong showings mid-season but struggles during the team’s losing streak. As Wilson approaches the twilight of his career, the Steelers must evaluate whether he remains the best option moving forward or if investing in a young quarterback like Sanders would better serve the team’s long-term interests.
Draft Position and Trade Speculations
The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given Sanders’ projected status as a top-five pick, securing him would necessitate a significant trade-up. NFL analyst Colin Cowherd proposed an aggressive strategy, suggesting that the Steelers trade key assets, including All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt, wide receiver George Pickens, and two first-round picks, to move up in the draft and select Sanders. Cowherd argues that acquiring a franchise quarterback is paramount and that such a bold move could set the Steelers up for sustained success. However, this proposal has sparked debate among fans and analysts, as it involves parting with cornerstone players and future draft capital.
Alternative Perspectives
While the allure of drafting a potential franchise quarterback like Sanders is compelling, the cost of trading up may be prohibitive. The Steelers have a history of building through the draft and developing talent within their system. Sacrificing multiple high-value assets could disrupt team chemistry and depth. Moreover, the success of rookie quarterbacks is not guaranteed, and the transition to the NFL can be challenging. Some analysts suggest that the Steelers could explore other avenues, such as developing a mid-round quarterback prospect or pursuing a veteran free agent, to provide competition and depth at the position without mortgaging the team’s future.
Potential Rivals and Division Dynamics
The Steelers must also consider the broader landscape of the AFC North. Reports indicate that the Cleveland Browns, holding the second overall pick, have scheduled visits with Shedeur Sanders, signaling their interest in the quarterback. If Sanders were to join a division rival, it could shift the balance of power within the AFC North and present new challenges for the Steelers’ defense. This potential scenario adds another layer of complexity to Pittsburgh’s decision-making process regarding their quarterback strategy.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads as they deliberate the future of their quarterback position. The prospect of acquiring Shedeur Sanders presents an opportunity to secure a potential franchise quarterback, but it comes with significant costs and risks. Balancing the immediate benefits of retaining a veteran like Russell Wilson against the long-term potential of a young talent like Sanders requires careful consideration. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers’ front office faces a defining decision that will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
Be the first to comment